8 Reasons for an EV Fast Charger Not Fast Charging

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How quickly electric vehicles can charge makes a big difference in drivers’ experiences and acceptance of EVs. Fast charging lets owners “fill up” their battery in a time similar to fueling a gas car. It eliminates range anxiety during long road trips.

However, some EV drivers may be frustrated when public fast chargers fail to provide the expected fast EV charger efficiency. Issues about a fast charger not fast charging have caused confusion and led to dissatisfaction among some early EV adopters.

The root causes of this must be properly identified and addressed to ensure a positive shift towards more sustainable transportation.

fast charger not fast charging

8 Reasons for Charger Charging Slowly

A fast charger not fast charging does not necessarily mean it’s faulty. The charger charging slowly can be impacted by several factors, such as battery state, usage patterns, environmental conditions, and equipment functionality.

The following reasons could be contributing to the super-fast charger not working and providing lower-than-expected charge rates:

1. Battery State of Charge

Faster charging is more useful when the battery is between low and medium states of charge. It refers to your vehicle’s battery percentage. Once it reaches around 80%, chemical reactions in the battery slow down significantly.

They occur to prevent heat buildup and potential damage from receiving energy too quickly at high charge levels. This is a common cause of a fast charger not fast charging.

2. Battery Capacity and Maximum Output Power

Firstly, large batteries require a longer time to absorb sufficient energy due to their larger capacity at the same charging power.

Secondly, the maximum output power of the charging station may not necessarily be equal to the maximum input power of the vehicle.

If the EV charger’s output power is higher than the vehicle’s maximum charging power, the charging speed will be limited by the power of the EVs. This is because electric vehicles cannot handle the same power output, contributing to a fast charger not charging fast.

3. Use Your Car While Charging

If the air conditioning and audio system in the car are used during the charging process, it will increase the additional load and reduce the charging speed.

It’s a common cause of an EV fast charger not fast charging. It is recommended that you avoid unnecessary device operations if you are in a hurry.

4. Number of Cars Charged Simultaneously

When multiple cars are charged simultaneously, especially at public charging stations, the total power of the charging station will be allocated, resulting in a decrease in the actual charging power of each vehicle.

Similarly, during peak hours, the power supply capacity of the grid will be limited, resulting in a slowdown in the charging speed of each vehicle.

5. BMS Algorithm is Not Updated or is Faulty

Battery management software monitors and manages the charging process of batteries. So, a faulty BMS could result in a fast charger not fast charging. For example, if the BMS judges the battery state incorrectly, it may limit the charging speed.

In addition, if electric vehicle manufacturers update or change their charging algorithms and you do not update them in a timely manner, the charging speed may also be affected.

6. Environmental Temperature

The upcoming summer poses a challenge to the charging speed of electric vehicles. In high-temperature environments, BMS will reduce charging power, and some of the energy may also be used to cool the battery to avoid overheating.

In low-temperature environments, batteries need to be preheated, and the internal chemical reaction rate may also slow down, resulting in a fast charger not fast charging.

7. Battery Degradation

EV batteries will lose capacity after prolonged use. As battery cycle life increases, the physical properties of the electrode materials and separators of the battery will also change. It will lead to an increase in internal resistance and a decrease in battery power output. 

Battery degradation is one of the common causes behind a fast charger not fast charging.

8. Charging Equipment Malfunction

Issues like faulty connectors, breakers, or charging circuit boards fall into the category of charging equipment malfunction. They are common causes of a fast charger not fast charging. They could potentially cause abnormally slow charging or an inability to charge.

dc fast charging solution

How to Solve the Slow Charging Speed Problem Caused by Malfunctions?

When slow charging is caused by equipment malfunction, it’s important to determine the root cause and implement the proper fix. Some steps you can take to solve the “Why is my battery charging so slowly?” problem include:

1. Software Updates

Occasional software needs to be updated to fix bugs and improve EV charger efficiency and thermal management algorithms. Outdated software, as mentioned above, can result in a fast charger not fast charging.

Software updates also often add functions or enable new high-power charging profiles to fully leverage the latest infrastructure investments.

2. Regular Maintenance of EV Chargers and EVs

A preventative maintenance plan is highly beneficial. It catches issues like loose connectors, software faults, or battery anomalies that could result in super fast charger not working.

It helps fix the issues before they become unreliable. This allows electric car charging efficiency to remain high throughout their expected lifespan, reducing your waiting time.

3. Check the Compatibility Between the EV and the Charger

Not all vehicles can charge at the maximum rate of fast chargers due to differences in interface standards or communication protocols between equipment.

So, make sure to check whether it’s the combability issue resulting in a fast charger not fast charging. This can be resolved by consulting car manufacturers or EV charging station manufacturers.

4. Replace the Battery and EV Charging Station

For widespread or recurring problems, equipment replacement is more recommended than repeated repairs. Replacing the EV charging station and battery can help restore electric car charging efficiency and solve the issue of a fast charger not fast charging.

Replace Fast EV Chargers

When the EV charger malfunctions, selecting suitable new fast EV chargers is crucial for ensuring normal vehicle charging and maintaining battery health. Firstly, the model needs to be compatible to ensure that it supports the car’s voltage and current standards. Secondly, choose chargers that can provide sufficient charging power according to your usage needs.

EVB Charger is a global manufacturer in smart and reliable EV charging infrastructure. Our fast EV chargers offer:

  • Power ranges from 20kW to 600kW.
  • Enhanced electric vehicle charging efficiency and integration with solar systems.
  • Real-time monitoring and remote control of charging stations through our mobile app.
  • Compatibility with various EV models and major connectivity standards worldwide.
  • Rugged designs for continuous commercial, hotel, and workplace charging under heavy usage.
  • Certified by global safety and durability standards.

Conclusion

Overall, a fast charger not fast charging is usually related to various factors such as battery status, charging device performance, environmental conditions, compatibility between the vehicle and charger, etc.

Proper maintenance, equipment replacement from experienced manufacturers like EVB Charger, and ongoing updates are key solutions. Car owners can use this guide to promptly discover the problem of a fast charger not charging fast, so as to better enjoy the convenience brought by new energy vehicles. Visit our website to learn more information!

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