Top 10 electric vehicle charging issues

The top electric vehicle (EV) charging issues have been revealed, according to the AA, with analysis suggesting drivers need more support.

The breakdown and recovery company operates a charge post support service and is currently working with 10 charge point operators (CPOs). 

A dedicated team of call handlers, operating 24/7, aim to deal with any problems a driver has at the charge point to enable them to continue on with their journey. 

During 2024, it received more than 7,000 calls a month to the service, with drivers unable to start a charge or the charging cable being stuck, identified as the top two reasons for calling the helpline. 

Around 17% of the challenges drivers incur when using a public EV charger were digital, rather than infrastructure based, says the AA. 

Queries on pricing, how to sign up to the app and general app usage also made the list of the top 10 reasons for calls to its charge post customer support service. 

James Starling, director at AA Business Services, said: “As fleets switch to EVs, we’re seeing drivers face a broad mix of challenges at charge points. 

“To ensure all EV drivers feel confident making journeys powered by electric there needs to be advice and support available across the board, from OEMs to technology providers, infrastructure operators and everyone in between.”

Top 10 EV charging issues

Source: the AA

The AA has also recently started working with CPOs to set up dedicated breakdown cover agreements. 

The service will enable a CPO to authorise breakdown assistance for a driver who has broken down at one of their charge posts.  

Starling continued: “Our charge post support service is going from strength to strength.

“It’s making a real difference to driver confidence, providing the reassurance that there’s someone at the end of the phone who can help keep them on the road, whatever issue they’re experiencing. Importantly, it’s an ongoing support for our CPO partners too.”

It became mandatory for CPOs to report on charge point helpline calls thanks to Public Charge Point Regulations, which came into force last year.