Electric vehicle adoption rates will rise. More and more homeowners are deciding to install EV chargers at home for the sake of having a car always ready to go. Still, just like any other household appliance or technology, EV chargers need their fair share of maintenance to continue working safely and efficiently with time.Proper maintenance of EV chargers means guaranteeing that your charger will perform well, be able to survive for long and minimize the chances of any malfunctions that will leave you stranded. This guide includes an EV charger maintenance checklist, answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding EV charger service and maintenance, and some useful tips to keep your EV charger in good working condition.

Do EV Chargers Need to Be Maintained?

They do require maintenance on their chargers. However, compared to their counterparts in traditional combustion-engine vehicles, EV chargers will typically undergo slightly less complex and less frequent maintenance. Still, maintenance and upkeep are relevant to having the charging unit function in prime condition.

Most EV chargers are built to stand the test of time with little maintenance, but even these could be damaged by misuse, prolonged outdoor exposure, or improper placement. Regular inspection, cleaning, and repair are needed to make sure chargers are safe to use and can charge vehicles effectively.
So, what is the maintenance work that an EV charger requires? Let’s dig into the details.

EV Charger Service and Maintenance: Reasons It Is Important

Just like any other piece of electric equipment or technology, your EV charger should also be maintained regularly for it to be safe and function. Here are some of the critical points as to why EV charger maintenance is important:

• Safety: Faulty chargers can cause electrical fires, short circuits, or damage to your car’s battery.
• Efficiency: You have to visit a charger regularly to ensure that it is operating at its optimal charging speed, which is very important for energy efficiency.
• Longevity: Like any other electronic device, if you take care of your charger and keep serviced regularly, you will ensure a long lifespan and save yourself from costly repairs or replacement.
• Reliability: It allows your EV charger to function properly, so no unanticipated downtime, and no frustrating charging issues, and your EV will be available whenever you need it.

Maintaining an EV Charger: Important Steps to Proper Maintenance

EV charger maintenance largely falls into two categories: regular user maintenance (which you can do yourself) and specialized service (to be done by a certified technician). Below is a list of broad steps usually involved in EV charger maintenance:

Regularly Inspect the Charger and Components

Among the simplest yet effective ways of maintaining your EV charger for longevity is through regular inspection for any damages or wear. The inspection can be of a very simple quick visual one that should take a minute or two. Here are some of the points that you can consider for inspection:

Physical damage: Look over the charger, cables, connectors, and wall units for any signs of damage such as wear, fraying, cracks, or any physical damage. Visible damages imply there might be other underlying issues requiring repairs or refinishing.

Installation safety: Confirm that the charger is secure in its installation and that no loose connections would interfere with its operation.

Plug and connectors: If these can be detached from the charger, provide a visual inspection. Bent prongs (on the plug) or a broken connector with exposed wires or corroded contacts represent possible short circuits, faulty charging, or worse, safety issues.

Cleaning your EV charger regularly

Dust, dirt, and all kinds of debris get into your EV charge, especially when installed outdoors and in garages, where cars and equipment go through often. Cleaning quickly turns out to be an easier DIY activity, and then it would help prolong its life as well as maintain efficiency. Here is a process of cleaning your charger:

Unplug the charger: Always unplug the charger before cleaning it from both the electric outlet and the car.

Use a damp cloth: Use a microfiber cloth or a soft damp cloth to clean the surface of the charger. Avoid using scratchy cleaning materials, which can scratch the surface of its surface.

Check the vents for blockages: Some of the air vents on EV chargers allow air circulation within the charger to avoid overheating. Check these vents for any blockages or debris. Clean them by using soft brushes or compressed air.

Check and, if necessary, replace the charging cable

Charging cables are probably some of the most important components of an EV charger. The cables could become frayed or damaged as time passes, which leads to degradation of charging performance and probably unsafe. Charging cables should be inspected regularly for:

Cracks and cuts: Look for any physical damage that exposes the wires.

Bends or kinks: Bending the charging cable can often cause internal damage. Straighten the cable if there is a kink or bend by taking care.

Clean the connectors: Ensure that you’re cleaning the ends of the connectors (the wall outlet and the car side), dirt or corrosion-free.

Be Mindful of Charging Speed and Performance

If your EV charger seems to be charging at a very slow rate, it might signify something that needs maintenance. Watch how promptly your automobile charges when plugged in, with any error message or warning signs present on the display of the charger.

If your charging time is exceedingly long and the display shows error codes, it may be time to check for electrical problems or arrange for professional installation and maintenance of the EV charger.

Do Not Do Overloading

Ensure that your charger will not work past the capacity provided by the electrical installation in the house. Most home EV chargers are usually good for either a 240V circuit or a 120V outlet besides ensuring that the circuit isn’t overloading, which might cause overheating or damage to the charger.

Check the load on the electrical systems of the home: Ensure that your home electrical system has enough capacity to support your charger while avoiding the danger of overload. If you have many high-power devices running at once, it could cause stress on your system.

Schedule Professional Servicing and Inspection

Although an owner can perform routine check-ups and basic maintenance, getting a professional to service the EV charger from time to time is necessary. A licensed electrician or technician can:

• Check various components of the device, such as its wiring and connections with internal components.
• Inspect the breaker panel and ensure that the apparatus integrates properly with your home electrical system.
• Carry out repairs/replacements to keep the charger functioning optimally.

EV charger service maintenance by a professional should be done every 12-24 months, subject to how frequently it is used.

Maintenance Checklist for Electric Vehicle Charger

Use this checklist of Electric Vehicle Charger maintenance to keep your charger working perfectly:

Visual Inspection

• Check the charger for signs of external damage.
• Check if the cables are intact and connectors are working well.

Cleaning the Charger

• Wipe the Car Charger with a damp cloth (no abrasives).
• Ensure that there are no blockages in the vents or areas for air circulation.

Checking Charging Cables

• Check for fraying, cracks, and excessive wear.
• Check if the connectors are clean and corrosion-free.

Charging Speed Monitor

• Any changes in charging performance or if charging times are unusually slow should be noted.
• Report error codes or warning lights promptly.

Check for Overloading

• Ensure that the charger is not drawing excessive power from the circuit.
• Check if your home electrical panel can take on the additional load.

Professional Service

• Schedule for annual or semi-annual routine checks and professional service.
• Naturally include issues requiring technical expertise or specialized equipment.

Cost of including maintenance for an EV charger

The cost of maintenance for an EV charger can vary depending on different factors. Such things include the type of charger, frequency of use, and whether you need to schedule professional servicing.

Routine cleanings and simple inspections can usually be done free of charge or at a very low cost, especially if you do these things yourself.

Professional service and repairs could cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per visit, based on how much work a given inspection or repair needs. Naturally, this cost would rise if you required significant repair or modernization to your electrical system.

Even though these prices are fairly low compared to the potential cost of significant repairs or charger replacements, they should still be considered part of the overall cost of the ownership budget for your EV.

Maintenance Required by an EV

While we’re here, talking about EV charger maintenance, we should also consider the maintenance needs of the electric vehicle itself. The following are just some maintenance tasks for your EV:

• Battery maintenance: Checking the charge levels and range at regular intervals to determine the proper functioning of the battery.
• Maintenance required for tires: Like any automobile, the tires of an electric vehicle need to be checked for wear and inflated to the proper levels.
• Brake checks: While many EVs will have regenerative brake applications, the systems and brake pads are still subject to office check-ups.
• Maintenance of the cooling system: The battery packs of several EVs have liquid cooling. Such liquid systems require oversights during inspections and routine maintenance activities.
• Regular maintenance of your EV Charger: The charger maintenance is imperative because it ensures that your station is at its best for performing tasks safely, efficiently, and reliably. 

Following an EV charger maintenance checklist, conducting routine inspections, and scheduling professional services, when necessary, will save you expensive repairs and ensure that your electric vehicle charging system lasts for years.

Remember, taking care of your charger is also taking care of your electric vehicle. Thus, you are getting the most from both and having an enjoyable, trouble-free driving experience.