The most common reasons your electric car won't charge, and which ones you can fix yourself
An EV that won't charge usually falls into one of three categories: a problem with your home charger, a problem with the public charging network, or a problem with the car itself. Most home charging failures are fixable without calling a technician — a tripped circuit breaker, a loose cable connection, or a charger that needs resetting. Public network problems are usually temporary and reported on the network operator's app. Car-side issues are rarer but require a dealer visit.
Ireland's charging infrastructure is split between home installations (typically managed by your electrician or the installer), public networks run by ESB InstaVolt and Eir-ChargeNow, and workplace chargers. Each has different failure modes and different troubleshooting steps. Knowing which system is failing saves you time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Home charger failures usually stem from a tripped circuit breaker, loose connections, or the charger needing a manual reset — all things you can check before calling an electrician.
- Public charging networks in Ireland (ESB InstaVolt, Eir-ChargeNow) post outages and faults on their apps and websites; check there first if a public charger won't work.
- Your car's onboard computer may refuse to charge if the battery is too cold, the battery management system has detected a fault, or the car's charging port is dirty or damaged.
- A home charger that worked yesterday but won't work today usually means your electrical panel has tripped a breaker or your charger has entered a safety lockout mode.
- If your charger is less than five years old and still under warranty, contact the installer or manufacturer before paying for a technician visit.
Home charger troubleshooting: the steps to try first
Before you call anyone, check your electrical panel. Most home chargers are wired to a dedicated 32-amp or 40-amp circuit breaker. If the charger suddenly stopped working, that breaker may have tripped. Open your consumer unit (fuse box) and look for a switch that is in the middle position or clearly different from the others. Switch it fully off, then fully back on. Try charging again.
Next, check the charger itself. Unplug the charging cable from both the wall unit and the car. Look at the connector pins on both ends — they should be clean and dry. If they are wet, corroded, or covered in debris, wipe them gently with a dry cloth. Plug the cable back in firmly; a loose connection will prevent charging. Some chargers have a small reset button on the unit itself (often recessed, requiring a paperclip to press). If your charger has one and nothing else worked, hold it for five seconds and release.
Check your charger's display or app. Many modern chargers show error codes or status lights. A flashing red light or a code like "E1" or "F1" usually means the charger has entered a safety mode — often because it detected a fault in the electrical circuit or the car's charging system. Note the code and check your charger's manual or the manufacturer's website. If the charger is still under warranty (most are for five to seven years), contact the installer or the charger manufacturer's support line before paying for a technician.
When the problem is your car, not the charger
If your home charger works fine (you can test this by asking a neighbour with an EV to use it, or by checking the charger's own test mode if it has one), the problem is likely in your car. The most common cause is a cold battery. EVs in Ireland can refuse to charge if the battery temperature drops below 0°C. If you parked outside overnight in winter and the car won't charge, move it to a garage or wait a few hours for the battery to warm up. Some cars allow you to preheat the battery via the app or infotainment screen while plugged in — this uses the charger's power to warm the battery before charging begins.
The second common cause is a dirty or corroded charging port on the car. Open your car's charging flap and look at the port. If it is wet, muddy, or has visible corrosion, dry it and gently clean the pins with a soft cloth. Do not use water or solvents. If the port looks damaged — bent pins, cracks, or burn marks — do not attempt to charge. Contact your car's dealer.
The third cause is a fault in the car's battery management system. If your car's screen shows a charging error code, a warning light, or a message like "charging not available", write down the exact message and contact your dealer. This usually requires diagnostic software and cannot be fixed at home.
Public charger networks: checking status and reporting faults
Ireland's two main public charging networks are ESB InstaVolt and Eir-ChargeNow. Both operate apps that show charger locations, availability, and known faults. If a public charger won't start a charge, open the relevant app and check the charger's status. Many outages are temporary — the charger may be rebooting, undergoing maintenance, or experiencing a network connectivity issue.
If the app shows the charger as "available" but it still won't work, try these steps: unplug and replug your cable; restart the charger using its physical button if it has one; try a different payment method (card instead of app, or vice versa); and move to a different charger on the same network if one is nearby. If none of that works, report the fault through the app. Both networks have in-app fault reporting that sends your report directly to their support team. Include the charger's ID number (usually printed on the unit) and a photo of any error message on the charger's screen.
Response times vary. ESB InstaVolt typically responds to reports within 24 to 48 hours for non-critical faults. Eir-ChargeNow's response time depends on the fault type. If you need to charge urgently, use the app to find an alternative charger nearby or contact the network's support line for an estimated repair time.
Workplace and semi-public chargers: who to contact
If your workplace, apartment building, or shopping centre has a charger and it won't work, the troubleshooting depends on who installed and manages it. Some are managed by ESB or Eir, in which case you report them the same way as public chargers. Others are managed by the building owner or a third-party contractor.
Start by asking your workplace facilities team, building management, or the shopping centre's customer service desk. They will know who manages the charger and can report the fault on your behalf or give you the contact details. If the charger is part of a larger network (for example, a hotel chain or supermarket group), there may be a dedicated support number on the charger itself or on the company's website.
If you are renting an apartment with a charger, contact your landlord or letting agent. They are responsible for reporting faults to the installer or network operator. Do not attempt to repair or reset a charger you do not own.
When to call an electrician and what to expect
Call a may have access to electrician if: your home charger still won't work after you have reset it and checked the circuit breaker; the circuit breaker keeps tripping when ready after you reset it; your charger is showing a fault code that does not clear; or you smell burning or see scorch marks around the charger or the electrical panel.
An electrician will test the charger's electrical connections, check the circuit for faults, test the charger's internal components, and inspect the cable for damage. A basic diagnostic visit typically costs between €80 and €150. If the charger itself is faulty, repair or replacement costs depend on the model and the fault — a new charger can cost €400 to €1,200 installed. If the problem is in your electrical panel or wiring, costs vary widely depending on what needs to be replaced.
Before you book, check whether your charger is still under warranty. Most home chargers come with a five-year warranty that covers parts and labour. If your charger is within that period, contact the installer or manufacturer first — they may send a technician at no cost or arrange a replacement.
Charging cables, connectors, and compatibility issues
Ireland uses Type 2 connectors for AC charging (home and most public chargers) and CCS Combo 2 for DC fast charging (ESB InstaVolt rapid chargers). If you are trying to use a charger with the wrong connector type, it will not physically fit. Check your car's manual or the charger's signage to confirm you have the right type.
If your cable is damaged — cracked insulation, bent pins, or a loose connector — do not use it. A faulty cable can damage the charger or the car's charging port, or create a fire risk. Replace the cable before charging again. If the cable came with your car, contact the dealer for a replacement. If you bought an aftermarket cable, contact the manufacturer.
Some older cars and chargers have compatibility issues. For example, some vehicles cannot communicate properly with certain charger models, causing the charger to refuse to start. If you have an older EV (pre-2019) and a newer charger, or vice versa, ask the charger manufacturer or your car's dealer whether they are known to have compatibility issues. A firmware update to the charger or car may resolve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
My charger worked yesterday but won't work today. What changed?
Most likely your circuit breaker has tripped or your charger has entered a safety lockout. Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it. If that does not work, try resetting the charger itself (usually a recessed button). If the breaker keeps tripping, stop using the charger and call an electrician — a tripping breaker usually means a fault in the wiring or the charger.
Can I use a public charger if my home charger is broken?
Yes. ESB InstaVolt and Eir-ChargeNow chargers are open to all EV owners. You will need a payment card or a registered account with the network. Charging costs vary by network and charger type — typically 30 to 50 cents per kilowatt-hour for AC chargers and 40 to 60 cents for DC rapid chargers. Check the app for prices at your nearest charger.
Why won't my car charge even though the charger seems to work?
The most common reason is a cold battery. EVs refuse to charge below 0°C to protect the battery. Move the car to a warm space or preheat the battery via your car's app if available. If the battery is not cold, check your car's screen for an error message and contact your dealer. Do not force the issue — a car that refuses to charge usually has a safety reason.
Is it safe to charge in the rain or if the charger is wet?
Modern chargers are weatherproof and safe to use in rain. However, if you see standing water around the charger, visible corrosion, or burn marks, do not use it. Report it to the network operator or building management. If your home charger is wet inside the connector, dry it thoroughly before using it again.
What should I do if a public charger takes my payment but won't charge?
First, unplug and try again — sometimes the charger needs a restart. If it still will not charge, report the fault through the app with the charger's ID number and a photo of the error message. Contact the network's support line and ask for a refund. Both ESB InstaVolt and Eir-ChargeNow have refund policies for failed charging sessions, though it may take a few business days to process.