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uk Transport & mobility emergencies ev wont charge • electric car not charging • public charger not starting • charging session wont start • charger says ready but no charge • plugged in but not charging • rapid charger not working • ac charger not working • dc fast charger wont connect • cable clicked in but nothing happens • charging port issue • connector wont latch • payment approved but no charge • app started but no power • stranded at charger • low battery cant charge • chargepoint not working for my car • evse handshake failed

What to do if…
your electric vehicle will not accept a charge even though the charging station appears to be working

Short answer

Make it safe first, then try a clean restart of the charging “handshake” (end session, unplug, wait a moment, plug in firmly, start again). If it still won’t start, use the charge point operator’s helpline number shown on the unit to remote-start/reset or direct you to a working bay.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t force the connector, slam it, or wedge anything into the port to “make contact”.
  • Don’t keep retrying rapidly over and over; repeated failed handshakes can lock you out or trigger fault modes.
  • Don’t touch exposed metal, use visibly damaged cables, or continue if you see sparking, smoke, burning smell, or melted plastic.
  • Don’t sit in a dangerous spot (live lane, isolated corner of a car park late at night) just to keep trying.
  • Don’t assume it’s “your car is broken” until you’ve tried one other socket/bay (or another charger type).

What to do now

  1. Get to a safer pause. If you’re in a risky location, re-park into a safer bay (well-lit, away from moving traffic) before troubleshooting.
  2. Check for immediate electrical danger. If there’s smoke, sparking, heat you can feel, crackling, or damaged equipment: step back, keep others away, and call 999 if there’s any fire or immediate danger. If there’s a wider electricity-network hazard (for example, exposed live cables or damaged street electrical equipment), you can also call 105 to reach the local electricity network operator.
  3. Do the simplest “handshake reset” (most common fix).
    • End/stop the session in the app or on the charger (if there’s a stop button).
    • Unplug from the car, wait ~15–30 seconds, then plug in again firmly until it clicks/seats properly.
    • Make sure the car is in Park and “ready to charge” (some cars won’t start if they think they’re not fully parked or are locked into another mode).
  4. Remove easy blockers on the car side.
    • Unlock the car and try again (many EVs lock/unlock the port/cable).
    • Check the dash/app for charge schedules, “charge limit reached”, “departure time”, “battery too cold/hot”, or a specific charging error message.
    • If your car has a “charge door/port reset” or “restart charging” option, use it once.
  5. Remove easy blockers on the charger/payment side.
    • Confirm the charger screen/app shows your connector selected and your session actually started (not just “ready”).
    • If you used an app/RFID/card, try one alternate start method (tap/contactless, app start, QR scan), or update payment details if prompted.
  6. Try one controlled swap to isolate the problem.
    • Move to a different bay/socket at the same site (faults are often bay-specific).
    • If your car supports it and you have low battery urgency, try a different charger type (AC vs rapid DC) at the nearest alternative site.
  7. Call the charge point operator helpline shown on the unit (do this early).
    • In the UK, public charge points should display a free, staffed helpline number. Tell them: location, charger ID/bay number, your connector type, what the screen says, and any error code.
    • Ask them to remote-start, remote-reset, or confirm whether that bay is flagged faulty.
  8. If you may be stranded, switch to “range protection” while you troubleshoot.
    • Turn off heavy loads (heated screens/seat heaters), keep cabin heat modest, and plan for the shortest safe move to an alternative charger if needed.
  9. If you can’t get charging started within a short, calm effort: arrange help.
    • Call your breakdown provider (e.g., AA/RAC or your vehicle’s roadside assistance) and explain you’re at a public charger with repeated failed sessions and low range.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to diagnose the vehicle, buy new cables, or book servicing right now.
  • You don’t need to argue with other drivers or “prove” the charger is broken—focus on getting a working charge or a safe recovery plan.
  • You can review logs, receipts, and app history later.

Important reassurance

This is a common, fixable failure mode—often a session-start, payment/authentication, or bay-specific fault rather than a serious vehicle problem. A calm reset + one swap + a helpline call resolves many cases.

Scope note

First steps only—once you’re safe and have enough charge (or recovery arranged), you can decide whether to report the unit, seek a refund, or have the car checked if the same issue happens across multiple networks.

Important note

This guide is general information for immediate first steps, not professional electrical, mechanical, or legal advice. If you see any signs of electrical danger (heat, smoke, sparking, burning smell), prioritise distance and emergency help over troubleshooting.

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