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Why does my EV charger keep turning off?
Updated 07/26
By: Laura Macdonald
Reviewed: Content Team
We look at some of the most common EV charger problems and provide troubleshooting tips to help fix the issue safely and efficiently.
An EV charger that cuts out can be down to something as simple as a loose cable, or something that genuinely needs an electrician. Working through the likely causes in order saves you calling someone out for a five-minute fix.
Quick fixes to try first
What's normal charging behaviour vs a genuine fault
Software and electrical causes worth ruling out
Public charging station issues you can't control
Home charger-specific troubleshooting
When to call an electrician rather than keep troubleshooting
Find an EV charger installer near you
Why does my EV charger keep turning off?
Several things can cause this: user error, a technical glitch, or a genuine fault with the equipment itself.
Quick fixes to try first
Check your connections. A loose cable at either the vehicle or the charging point will stop charging from starting.
Press the timer override button, if your EV has one. With the vehicle off, open the charging door and press override to bypass any scheduled charging you've set.
Verify payment or software settings. At a public charger, confirm payment went through in the app. At home, check for any charging schedule that might be restricting when it'll actually charge.
Is it actually a fault, or is your EV just charging normally?
Before assuming something's broken, it's worth knowing that charging speed naturally tapers as a battery approaches full, particularly above roughly 80%, to protect battery health. If your charger appears to slow down or your app shows charging has paused near a high percentage, that's often the vehicle's own battery management doing exactly what it's designed to do, not a fault with the charger.
Genuinely stopping outright, repeatedly, or well before a sensible charge level, is a different matter and worth investigating further below.
If you're still deciding on a home charger rather than troubleshooting an existing one, our EV charger buying guide covers speed, connector type, and current grants.
EV charger troubleshooting
If you're still stuck after the quick fixes, work through these in order. If in doubt at any point, contact a qualified EV charger installer rather than keep guessing.
1. Rule out human error
Loose cable connections: double-check both ends are properly seated.
Charging timers: check for a schedule on the app or the charger itself; use the override if needed.
Wrong connector type: public chargers offer different connector types; confirm yours matches before plugging in.
Already charged: many chargers switch off automatically once the battery reaches full or a preset limit, to prevent overcharging and wasted electricity.
2. Software or electrical issues
Some chargers (Pod Point home chargers are a commonly cited example) rely on software to manage charging, and can turn off unexpectedly if that software is out of date or glitching.
Fix: check for app updates, then reset the system.
Chargers also include a circuit breaker that cuts power if it detects a fault or overload, though it can occasionally trip unnecessarily if overly sensitive.
Fix: get a qualified electrician to inspect the setup.
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3. Problems with public charging stations
Network failures: the connection may simply have dropped, preventing payment processing or charging from starting.
Vandalised or broken chargers: dirt or debris in the port, or physical damage, does happen occasionally.
Power cuts: an outage at the station can interrupt charging just as it would at home.
Before you call an electrician
4. Home charger problems
Faulty wall charger: check if the unit's still online (can you see the menu or log into the app?). Power it off and restart after a few minutes. Note any error codes shown, and check them against your manual. Also look for visible damage to the unit or its wiring.
Charging cable: test it on a different charger to isolate whether the cable itself is at fault, sometimes caused by dust or debris in the connector.
Extension leads: never use a domestic extension lead for EV charging. They're not rated for the current involved, risking overheating or fire. Always use a proper, EV-specific cable.
Settings: check for a smart charging mode or app-based timer that might be restricting charging outside certain hours or conditions.
Electrical issues: an overnight power outage may have interrupted charging without reconnecting automatically. If problems persist, ask yourself whether you've had recent electrical work done, whether other appliances are affected, or whether you can see any loose or damaged wiring, then get a qualified electrician to check your home electrics promptly if any of these apply.
How much does it cost to install an EV charger at home?
From slow chargers to fast chargers, our cost guide is the ideal way to find the right charger for your home. Find out the ballpark electric car charger installation cost to expect for your installation.
Find a qualified electrician near you
If you've worked through the troubleshooting above with no luck, it's time to bring in an EV installer or qualified electrician.
Find an EV charger installer near you
FAQs
Could be user error, a software or electrical issue, or a fault with the unit or cable itself. Work through connections, timers, and settings first before assuming a fault.
Yes, many turn off automatically once the battery is sufficiently charged, or if there's an issue like overheating or an electrical fault.
Generally yes. Most chargers stop delivering power automatically once the battery's charged, so it won't overcharge or drain unnecessarily.
No, the charger only delivers power when the vehicle actually needs it.
At a public charger, this could be a network failure, broken equipment, or a power cut. At home, check loose connections, charging settings, the unit itself, or a wider electrical issue.
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