How Often Does My EV Charger Need Maintenance?
7 Min. Read
Owning an electric vehicle (EV) has numerous advantages, such as reduced emissions and lower fuel costs. To ensure efficient and hassle-free charging, many EV owners opt for Level 2 at-home chargers.
These chargers provide faster charging speeds compared to standard Level 1 chargers, offering convenience and practicality for daily charging needs. However, as with any electrical equipment, Level 2 EV chargers will require regular maintenance to ensure their optimal performance and longevity.
With proper seasonal charger maintenance, you can ensure that your EV charger will be up-to-date with all necessary repairs and replacements so it can keep running smoothly for years to come. Having a maintenance plan will allow you to enjoy the peace of mind in knowing you won’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns or face any costly repairs down the line.
Whether you are a new EV owner or have been using a Level 2 charger for some time, this article will serve as a comprehensive guide to understanding the maintenance requirements for your at-home EV charger. By adopting a proactive maintenance approach, you can maximize the efficiency and longevity of your charger, enabling a seamless and enjoyable EV charging experience.
Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your EV charger throughout each season.
The Importance of Seasonal Charger Maintenance
To ensure a long lifespan for an EV charger, it’s important to be proactive in its maintenance. You should do inspections throughout the year to identify any issues or faults before they become more significant problems.
Regular EV maintenance charges range from $200 to $400 yearly. If you don’t maintain your charger throughout its lifespan, however, the costs can quickly become much higher.
This is especially significant if your warranty is no longer valid. Failure to service your charger regularly could void your warranty, costing you more than seasonal maintenance. To avoid this expense, it’s crucial to keep your EV charger in excellent shape by performing routine seasonal maintenance.
Signs Your EV Charger Needs Maintenance
It can be very frustrating when your EV charger is not working, and you can’t charge your EV or the efficiency of your charger begins to decrease. Not only does this mean that your EV can’t get the power it needs, but it may also be a sign that your charger needs some maintenance.
Keep in mind that while some fixes may seem relatively easy to resolve, it is always recommended to have a trusted electrician familiar with electrification technologies perform any maintenance or repairs. A small problem can easily become a big issue if handled inappropriately, and working with 240V electrical currents can be dangerous and even deadly.
If you notice any of the following signs, it is essential to address them as soon as possible:
Changes in Charging Speed
If you use a Level 2 charging station, it should take four to ten hours for your EV to be fully charged. If you notice that the charging times are increasing, it could show that your charger is not operating as efficiently as it should. Voltage fluctuations may also cause your EV to charge slower than usual. This is something that a professional should check and fix.
Exterior Damage
If you notice any signs of damage to your EV charger, such as noticeable dents, cracks, or burns, don’t ignore them. Remember, neglecting to replace these parts immediately only leads to performance issues and greater safety risks down the road. It’s ideal to regularly check your EV charger for any detectable damage and promptly set up part replacements through a trusted service provider to ensure the long-lasting functionality and safety of your EV charger.
Exposed Wires
To ensure your safety while handling your EV charger, it is important to have a professional inspect and fix any exposed wires. Not only do exposed wires put you at a high risk of getting injured, but they also raise the chances of starting a fire. To steer clear of potential hazards, it’s highly recommended to have a skilled professional conduct routine inspections and maintenance checks on your EV charger. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Seasonal Maintenance Tasks for Your EV Charger
Knowing which seasonal maintenance tasks to perform on your EV charger throughout the year can be challenging. Without regular inspections and maintenance, it’s easy to miss necessary steps or forget to check specific parts. Depending on the climate where you live, particular tasks may need to be performed more frequently than others.
In order to make sure that your EV charger stays in good condition throughout the year, here are some seasonal maintenance tasks you should keep in mind:
Winter Maintenance
During the winter months, it is important to check the wiring and connections for any signs of wear and tear. For charging stations mounted outside, inspect your EV charger for damage caused by snow or ice and clear away any debris from around the charging station. The harsh cold temperatures can cause the wires to contract and expand and can loosen the connections. Checking for wear and tear on wiring and connections can prevent the risk of malfunctioning and thermal events, which can be dangerous.
If you have a ground fault interrupter, checking the ground fault interrupter (GFI) is crucial. GFIs act as a safety mechanism to prevent electrocution, and they are essential during the winter months when snow and ice can be present. Therefore, ensuring that the GFI is in good working order is crucial, and you should test it regularly.
Summer Maintenance
During the summer months, it is vital to check the charger for any signs of overheating or exposed wiring. This can happen because of the hot temperatures, which can be dangerous if not addressed promptly. Checking the charger for any signs of overheating or exposed wiring can prevent fires, which can be devastating.
Checking the battery charger for corrosion or damage is essential. This can happen as a result of exposure to the elements and can cause electrical issues if not addressed promptly. Checking the battery charger can help ensure it is in good working order and keep your home safe.
Benefits of a Maintenance Plan
A maintenance plan helps prevent any potential risks associated with EV chargers while ensuring optimal performance year-round. It typically involves tightening all connections, seasonal checks for wear and tear, checking connections for damage, clearing away debris from around the charger, testing ground fault interrupters (GFIs) regularly, checking wiring for any signs of exposed wiring or overheating, and performing other necessary tasks depending on the climate in which it is located.
It’s important to note that a licensed electrician should install and regularly inspect your EV charging station to ensure it is in peak condition. By following a maintenance plan, you can ensure that your EV charger remains safe and efficient for years to come.
Investing in maintenance for your EV charger is essential if you want it to last. Regularly checking and maintaining your EV charger can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. Taking the time to inspect and maintain your EV charger throughout the year can help ensure its safety and long-term performance.
Extend the Life of Your EV Charger
Seasonal maintenance on your EV charger can help extend the charger’s life and help reduce any potential hazards. It is essential to check the wiring and connections for any signs of wear and tear, as well as the ground fault interrupter (GFI). It is important to check the charger itself for any signs of overheating or shorts in the wiring and the battery charger for any signs of corrosion or damage.
Your Seasonal Charger Maintenance Solution
Investing in proper care for your EV charger is a wise decision that pays off. By taking the time to inspect and have your EV charger maintained, you can help ensure that it remains safe and efficient throughout it’s lifetime, while also extending the life of the charger.
Qmerit is a leading provider of EV charging station installations and other electrification services, making it easy to install your EV charging station and keep your charger in peak condition. Qmerit installers can provide regular inspections and customized maintenance plans that are tailored to the climate and conditions of your particular area.
With Qmerit’s reliable services, your EV charger will be safe and efficient for years to come. Our team of certified technicians is highly knowledgeable so that you can have confidence in the quality of their services.
At Qmerit, our mission is to assist residential owners, commercial property holders, and facility administrators in adopting eco-friendly electrical alternatives by utilizing our extensive local contractor network. Our Certified Solutions Partner (CSP) initiative gives electrical professionals access to advanced learning opportunities in electrification technology, including comprehensive training and ongoing educational programs, ensuring installations done by Qmerit-certified electrical installers are done by qualified electricians to the highest-grade in both quality and service.
Contact Qmerit today to start your electrification journey and find out why we’re the most trusted electrification installers in North America!
Greg Sowder
President, Qmerit Network