Installing an EV charging station in your home or for your business can be a game changer in charging accessibility. But the journey doesn’t stop there! Routine EV charging station maintenance is critical to ensuring your equipment functions as intended. A well-maintained Level 2 or Level 3 EV charger can last upwards of 10–15 years with proper care.
Follow these EV charging station maintenance tips for Level 1, 2, and 3 units to extend your EV charger’s lifespan!
In need of new chargers? Contact our team to schedule a free consultation and site visit.
How Often Should I Examine My EV Charging Station?
EV charging stations do not require a lot of maintenance. However, publicly available units that see frequent usage can benefit from routine examinations.
Ideally, you should quickly look over and clean your EV charging station once a week to catch potential issues early on. This can prevent downtime and increase your EV charging station’s reliability. Commercial public chargers should also have a professional maintenance check at least once a year to ensure proper functionality.
Inspect Your EV Charging Stations for Signs of Damage
Physical external damage can potentially affect charging performance if left untreated. This is particularly true for Level 2 and Level 3 chargers installed outdoors. Some damage, like burns and exposed wires, may indicate a deeper hardware issue, which must be addressed by a professional immediately.
When going over your EV charger, look for signs of external damage, including:
Burns (from overheating and improper charging)
Loose or exposed wires
Dents
Cracks
Damaged cables
Damaged connectors
Signs of corrosion
Clean Your EV Charging Station Regularly
Before cleaning your EV charging station, we recommend de-energizing the unit for safety. Wipe down your EV charger with a dry cloth each week, paying close attention to the connectors so they can attach securely to an EV’s charging port. It’s also good practice to coil and hang up your cables after each use to avoid safety hazards.
Monitor Your EV Charger Usage to Spot Performance Issues
Some signs can’t be caught with a simple visual check. EV charging station owners can access EV charging station management software associated with their units to monitor electricity usage and revenue. Consistent abnormalities can indicate performance issues that need professional attention. Look out for:
Slow charging times
Low voltage charging
Exceeding charge thresholds
Payment issues due to card reader or touch screen issues
EV charging station monitoring software is a must-have for commercial public EV chargers. Real-time data can help reduce downtime and improve charging station reliability.
Update Your EV Charging Station Software and Firmware
Software and firmware updates are often overlooked when performing EV charging station maintenance. These updates help resolve glitches, improve charging performance, and introduce new features.
You should be able to update your EV charger’s software and firmware through your unit manufacturer’s app, though some units can update automatically. If you have an issue with an update, it’s best to defer to your manufacturer’s customer support.
EV Charger During Extreme Temperatures
Winter and summer can pose additional risks due to extreme temperatures. During the colder months, ice and snow can damage cables as they expand and contract. This can cause an electrical hazard. Using a ground fault interrupter (GFI) can help you prevent electrocution.
Hotter summers may cause the charger to overheat and cause fires, especially if there are exposed wires. Make sure to inspect your charger regularly to catch issues early on.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Every Year
Public commercial EV charging stations should have yearly professional maintenance checks, especially if they’re Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. Level 3 charging stations are more sophisticated than their lower-voltage counterparts and contain more components—professionals will need to regularly check:
Cooling systems
Filters
Touch screens
Card Readers
Work with a trusted professional maintenance partner or licensed electrician to schedule routine upkeep.
Ensure Your User Instructions Are Visible
While EV drivers are not responsible for maintaining your EV charging station, having clear instructions can ensure that drivers are using the unit as intended and avoid accidents. Depending on your charger model, you may opt for a QR code that links to a website with instructions or the charging app.
It’s also important to include instructions on the charger for emergencies or disruptions. This ensures that drivers know how to report an issue, allowing you to address the problem as soon as possible.
Maximize Your EV Charger’s Lifespan With Routine Maintenance
By practicing good EV charging station maintenance, you can improve your unit’s reliability, limit or eliminate downtime, and extend its lifespan! Keep in mind that commercial public chargers will require more inspections than residential ones, and Level 3 EV chargers have more complex components to inspect. We recommend working with a trusted professional partner to follow an EV charger maintenance plan.
If you’re interested in installing a public Level 2 or Level 3 EV charging station, contact our team! We help you find incentives to reduce or eliminate installation costs.