Malfunction: Why so Many EV Charging Stations Don’t Work

Tesla’s Supercharger network is known for its high reliability, widespread coverage, charging speed, and ease of use. Owning a car that isn’t a Tesla can be challenging because of the much higher rate of broken or malfunctioning electric car charging stations. This is often due to a mix of design, operational, and management challenges. This article covers some of the main issues that need to be addressed to incentivize EV adoption:

Lack of Maintenance and Upkeep
Many charging station networks are rolled out with limited ongoing support. Regular maintenance is essential, but it’s often neglected due to cost or staffing constraints. This lack of routine checks leads to higher breakdown rates, with issues left unresolved for longer periods.

Complex Hardware Components
EV chargers are built with intricate electronics and often need to withstand various environmental conditions. Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures damage equipment over time, especially if the stations weren’t designed to handle harsh weather.

Connectivity and Software Issues
Many stations rely on stable internet or network connections to process payments, monitor status, and communicate with remote servers. Connectivity issues can lead to chargers becoming non-functional, or failing to process payments properly. Outdated software or firmware can also cause technical glitches, and some networks have struggled to keep software updates in sync.

Vandalism and User Damage
Unfortunately, some charging stations fall victim to vandalism or unintentional damage by users. Chargers are often located in public, unsupervised areas, which makes them vulnerable.

High Utilization and Wear
In areas where EV adoption is high, certain charging stations may be in constant use, leading to faster wear and tear. High demand without adequate infrastructure investment can result in these chargers breaking down more quickly.

Funding and Ownership Fragmentation
Some networks have limited funding or are run by smaller providers who struggle with the high maintenance costs. Additionally, charging networks may be owned by different companies, creating inconsistencies in service quality and repair standards across locations.

THE TAKEAWAY

Efforts to improve reliability are underway, as more consistent, higher-quality charging networks are a top priority in driving EV adoption. But for now, the Tesla charging infrastructure represents a significant competitive advantage for the electric car pioneer. The good news is Tesla will open up its charging networks to other brands in 2025.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, ChatGPT, Wikimedia Commons