PlugShare Shows a Broken Electric Car Charger: What to Do Next

When Was the Broken Report Posted on PlugShare?

A "broken" report from three weeks ago is almost meaningless. Chargers go offline and come back online all the time. Network operators fix hardware, restart software, and replace components regularly. A report from yesterday is worth paying attention to. A report from last month probably does not reflect the current state of the charger.

Open the station page in PlugShare and scroll down to the reviews and check-ins. Every entry has a date. Look at the most recent one. If the broken report is the latest entry and it was posted today or yesterday, there is a reasonable chance the charger is still down. If it was posted weeks ago, treat it as stale information.

Also pay attention to what the report actually says. "Charger screen was black, would not respond" is a hardware failure that might take time to fix. "App would not connect" or "payment declined" is often a problem on the driver's side, not the charger's.

Has Anyone Charged Successfully Since the Broken Report?

A successful check-in after a broken report usually means the charger is working again. PlugShare shows all check-ins in chronological order. If someone posted "unable to charge" on Monday but two other drivers checked in successfully on Wednesday, the problem was likely resolved.

Look for check-ins with the green "charged here" status. These confirm that at least one connector was working at that time. Keep in mind that stations with multiple connectors can have one broken plug while the others work fine. A broken report might apply to only one of several available connectors.

Should You Try a Charger PlugShare Says Is Broken?

If you are already there, yes. Try it. It costs you nothing but a few minutes. Many "broken" reports on PlugShare come from situations that were temporary: a software glitch that cleared after a reboot, a payment issue on the driver's end, or a brief network outage. The charger sitting in front of you may work perfectly.

Plug in, tap your card or open the network app, and attempt to start a session. If the charger has a screen, read what it says. Sometimes the screen shows a specific error or instruction that makes the problem obvious. If one connector does not work, try another one if the station has multiple plugs.

If the charger is completely unresponsive (dark screen, no lights, no reaction when you plug in), it is genuinely down. Move on to the next steps.

How Do You Report a Broken Charger to the Network?

Look for a phone number or support URL on the charger itself. Most public chargers have a sticker or label with the network operator's contact information, including a support phone number and sometimes a station ID. The station ID helps the operator identify exactly which charger you are at.

You can also find contact details in PlugShare's station information section, or in the charging network's own app. Some networks let you report issues directly through their app. Others have a support email or phone line.

Reporting the problem to the network matters. Operators sometimes do not know a charger is down until someone tells them. Your report can trigger a service visit that fixes the charger for everyone.

How Do You Report a Broken Charger on PlugShare?

Use the check-in feature and select "Unable to Charge." Open the station in PlugShare, tap the check-in button, and choose the status that matches your experience. If you could not charge, PlugShare lets you select a reason: broken connector, station offline, payment issue, blocked by another vehicle, and more.

Adding a comment makes your report much more useful to other drivers. Mention which connector you tried, what the screen showed, and whether other connectors were available. "CCS connector 2 dead, screen says 'out of service,' connector 1 was working fine" tells the next driver exactly what to expect.

Your report helps the entire PlugShare community. The next driver checking this station will see your check-in and know what they are walking into. Detailed reports save people from wasted trips.

How Do You Find an Alternative Charger Quickly?

Open PlugShare's map and look for the nearest station with recent successful check-ins. Filter by your connector type (CCS, CHAdeMO, or Type 2) to only see compatible chargers. Some drivers also filter by minimum power level if they need a fast charge.

Open Charge Map is another good source for finding nearby chargers, especially if you want a second opinion on what is available in the area. Your car's built-in navigation may also show nearby chargers with real-time availability data.

If you are running low on battery, drive conservatively to the next station. Reduce your speed, turn off the air conditioning or heating, and avoid hard acceleration. These small changes can add meaningful range when every kilometer counts.

Why You Should Always Have a Backup Charging Plan

Before you drive to any charger, identify 2-3 alternatives nearby. This is the single best habit you can build as an electric car driver. Chargers go offline, get blocked by other vehicles, or have long queues. Having a backup means a broken charger is an inconvenience, not a crisis.

When planning a longer trip, do not rely on a single charging stop. Tools like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) can show you multiple charging options along your route so you always have somewhere to go if your first choice is unavailable.

Broken chargers are frustrating, but they are a normal part of public charging in 2026. The network is improving, charger reliability is getting better, and more stations are being built every month. In the meantime, a little preparation goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

EVcourse is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PlugShare, Open Charge Map, or any of the charging networks mentioned on this page. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners. Charger availability and status change frequently. Always verify current information at the station.