Why Is My EV Charging Slowly? 5 Root Causes

Are you standing next to your electric vehicle, wondering, Why is my EV charging slowly?- You’re not alone. 

Many EV owners face this common issue, whether they’re dealing with an unpredictable home EV charger not working or trying to figure out factors affecting EV charging speeds. 

There are also times when simply resetting your EV charger can make a difference. But sometimes, you need to go extra miles to hit the root cause technically.

Basics of EV Charging Speed

Before we tackle the problems, let’s cover a quick reality check: not all slow charging means a problem. Charging speed varies based on your setup, battery type, and conditions. 

However, when your electric vehicle charging time suddenly doubles, that’s it’s time to pay attention.

5 Key Reasons Why Your EV Is Charging So Slow

1. Extreme Temperatures Impact Battery Charging Efficiency

Think your EV is immune to weather? Think again. The charging speed of EVs like the Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt, or Ford Mach-E can take a serious hit in extreme temperatures. 

When temperatures drop below 40F or soar above 95F, battery efficiency plummets. Batteries prefer room temperatures to perform at their best.

Pro Tip: If you live in colder areas like Minnesota or hot climates like Arizona, consider installing a climate-controlled EV charging setup in your garage. This simple change can significantly improve your charging speed.

2. The Power Source May Be the Bottleneck

The main cause of sluggish EV charging originates from the power supply that users select. Your EV will get a limited charge rate of 2-5 miles per hour whenever you use a standard 120V wall outlet (Level 1 charging).

Using a 120V wall outlet for charging (Level 1 charging) provides insufficient speed to recharge battery packs found in Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-Es effectively.

How To Troubleshoot Tesla Model 3 Charger Tripping Breaker Issues?

Using a Level 2 charger depends on the specific capacity of the electric circuit. A rising current above 32 amps from a charging station will enable faster battery recharge even though the charger itself can offer higher amperage.

Unsafe charger performance can occur when undiminished breakers combine with shared circuits and deteriorating wiring which compels the EV charging mechanism to restrict its output to stay within safety limits and prevent circuit overheating and breaker failure.

Most Level 2 chargers including the ChargePoint Home Flex along with Wallbox Pulsar Plus and Grizzl-E Classic need a specific 40-50 amp circuit to function effectively.

3. Battery State of Charge (SOC)

Your EV’s battery charges quickly at first but slows down as it fills. Charging from 0-80% is relatively fast, but the last 20% is intentionally slower to protect electric car’s battery health.

4. Hardware Hiccups Cause Slow Charging

Sometimes, the problem is with the physical hardware. Regular inspection of your charging equipment can prevent slowdowns caused by:

• Damaged charging ports
• Worn-out cables
• Aging home or public charging stations
• Faulty onboard EV chargers

Quick Fix: Check your cables, charging port, and the charging station’s condition monthly. This hygiene check- keeps your EV charging efficiently.

5. Software Glitches and Firmware Updates

Modern EVs are computers on wheels, and sometimes a simple software update or reboot is all it takes to resolve slow charging. Look out for:

• Outdated vehicle firmware
• Communication issues with charging stations
• Overactive smart charging features

Quick Fixes to Improve EV Charging Speed

Smart Charging Habits

• Stick to the 20-80% charging rule for regular use.
• Use DC fast charging only when necessary.
• Monitor your charging sessions via the EV app.
• Maintain Battery Between 20-80%: This ensures optimal charging and prolongs battery life.
• Use Manufacturer-Recommended Charging Equipment: Using recommended accessories can improve performance and prevent compatibility issues.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Software: Regular updates help your EV charge more efficiently.
• Monitor Charging Trends: Tracking your charging sessions via the app can highlight any changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does my Tesla Model 3 take 12 hours to charge?

A: This may be due to a low charge current setting. Check your vehicle’s settings and adjust the charging amperage to the maximum allowed for your home charger.

Q: Why is my Chevy Bolt charge slow at public chargers?

A: Public charging speeds can vary based on how many other vehicles are using the station. Check your charging app for less crowded stations and try to charge during off-peak hours.

Q: Why does my Ford Mach-E charge slower after 80%?

A: This is by design to preserve battery health. Many EVs slow down above 80% charge to protect the battery, so plan your trips with this in mind.

Q: Why is my EV charging slower in winter?

A: Cold temperatures significantly impact EV charging, especially below 40°F. Try preconditioning your battery before charging to improve speed.

Conclusion

The requirement to charge EVs slowly does not need to stay permanent. Awareness of electric vehicle charging causes combined with appropriate charging practices will help you maintain effective and reliable vehicle battery charging. 

Driving the automotive world toward electric cars requires time to adjust to the new technology. Your understanding of charging specifications for your EV will help you respond effectively to any upcoming problems.