There are times when EV owners may experience problems when trying to charge their car at the full 7 kW rate.
In this article, we will explore the most common issues that can arise when using a Pod Point home charger at 7kW, and provide some troubleshooting tips to help you get your car fully charged in no time.
From cars limiting charging current based on their settings to the use of inappropriate charging cables, we’ll explain the reasons behind these problems.
1. The Car May Be Limiting the Charging Current Based on its Settings
Some electric cars have the ability to limit the charging current that they draw from a charger.
This could be due to the car’s internal battery management system, or it may be a setting that can be adjusted by the driver.
If the car is set to draw less than 7kW, then it will not be able to achieve the full charging rate from a 7kW Pod Point home charger.
If the car is limiting the charging current, check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to adjust the settings.
2. The Pod Point Unit May Have Internal DIP Switches That are Set to Limit the Charging Current During Installation
During the installation of a Pod Point home charger, the installer may set the charging current to a level lower than 7kW. This could be for a number of reasons, such as to match the available power supply, or to ensure that the charger does not trip the circuit breaker.
If the charging current has been set lower than 7kW, then the car will not be able to achieve the full charging rate.
If the installer has set the charging current lower than 7kW, contact them to adjust the settings.
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3. The Software Limit on the Pod Point May Be Set to Restrict the Charging Current Remotely By the Company
In some cases, the company that operates the Pod Point network may set a software limit on the charging current for a particular unit.
This could be to prevent the charger from overloading the power supply, or to ensure that multiple chargers can operate simultaneously without causing issues.
If a software limit has been set lower than 7kW, then the car will not be able to achieve the full charging rate.
If a software limit has been set lower than 7kW, contact the network company to request an increase in the charging current limit.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
4. The Supply Limit May Be Sensed By the Pod Point Via a Cable Clamp and Prevent the Overall Supply Demand Exceeding the Supply Limit
Pod Point home chargers are designed to detect the available power supply and adjust the charging rate accordingly. If the available power supply is lower than 7kW, then the charger will not be able to supply the full charging rate.
Additionally, some Pod Point chargers use a cable clamp to sense the current being drawn by other devices in the home or building.
If the overall demand on the supply exceeds the supply limit, then the charging rate will be reduced to prevent an overload.
If the charging rate is being reduced due to supply limits, consider upgrading the power supply or reducing the overall demand on the supply.
5. The Cable Being Used May not Be Appropriate for the Charging Current Required
Different charging cables have different current ratings, and it’s important to use a cable that is capable of handling the maximum charging current required by the car.
If the cable being used is rated for a lower current than 7kW, then the car will not be able to charge at full speed.
Make sure to use a cable rated for at least 7kW to ensure the car can charge at full speed.
6. Overheating
If the charging station or the car’s battery is overheating, the charging process can slow down or stop entirely.
Try allowing the car and charging station to cool down before attempting to charge again.
Conclusion
In summary, troubleshooting slow or non-existent charging at 7kW involves checking the supply equipment, connections, overheating, battery, software, charging cable, and power supply.
By identifying the cause of the issue, you can take appropriate action to resolve it and get your car charging at the proper speed.