As more drivers transition from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, more business owners, property managers, government municipalities, and utility companies are recognizing the value of EV charging stations. An EV charging station can be a perk for employees; an accommodation for tenants; a public service provided to citizens; and a smart capital investment.
But before you move forward with installing EV charging stations, it is important to know about the maintenance and repairs this equipment requires in order to function efficiently and effectively for the duration of its lifespan.
Below, we’ll outline some basic guidelines for EV charging station maintenance and EV charger repair.
Maintaining Non-networked Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Stations
Non-networked Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations –– or individual, stand-alone stations that are not part of a broader network –– tend to require relatively little electric vehicle charging station maintenance over the course of their lifetimes.
Level 1 EV charging units are common charging stations found in private residences. Typically, these EV chargers do not need many repairs or maintenance in and of themselves, though the US Department of Energy does recommend replacing the commercial grade electric outlet into which the unit is installed periodically. This carries an estimated cost of about $100.
Non-networked Level 2 charging stations, which are common in public spaces and parking lots, may require more attention. Because these are larger units with more components, the chances that an individual component malfunctions is somewhat higher than in a privately owned Level 1 charger.
Several factors can play a role in the condition of the unit and the degree of EV charger repair you’ll need over the lifetime of the unit, including frequency of use, climate, and whether the unit is covered or exposed to the elements. Generally, the units should be kept clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth, and any accessible parts need to be checked on occasion for basic wear and tear.
Maintaining Networked EV Charging Stations
Networked stations often include advanced features like payment systems and data collection. Because of this, there tend to be more electronic components built into the units (e.g., credit card swipes, touchscreens, buttons, etc.). These components may require more maintenance and repair over time than a non-networked unit. Depending on the location, the frequency of use may be higher than a non-networked unit, which could affect the condition of the unit. Most of the common issues that arise with networked EV charging stations can be addressed by an electrician –– though you may want to confirm that your electrician has experience with EV charger repair.
Some common electric vehicle charging station maintenance issues you should be aware of prior to installation include the replacement of charge cord due to accidental damage or vandalism; the replacement of the unit itself after approximately ten years; periodic technical troubleshooting and manual system resets.
If you’re retrofitting a space to accommodate for a new charging station, you’ll need to consider some of the costs associated with construction and potential EV charger repair. In terms of construction, this may include breaking up pavement or sidewalk, running new wiring and conduit to the unit, and creating enough space in a parking area to fit both the unit and a vehicle (building codes vary depending on location).
Maintenance for Level 3 Charging Stations
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations, also known as Superchargers, will certainly require more EV charger maintenance and repair over time. In fact, these units require continual maintenance due to the complexity. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations, Superchargers require filers, cooling systems, and other advanced parts to function properly.
Operators of Level 3 charging stations must work with manufacturers to establish a service program ahead of installation, as the extent of the electric vehicle charging station maintenance you’ll require will vary based on location and anticipated frequency of use.
Take Preventative Measures
Choosing a networking partner like EV Connect can help you prevent EV charger repair issues before they happen and identify issues when do happen more quickly. Our SaaS network solution helps you manage your charging stations’ access and performance. We do this through our 24/7 Network Operations Center, which monitors charging stations to detect and triage issues.
Our solution also provides reports which track usage, performance, and efficiency to help you better understand which units are being used with the most frequency as well as which units are performing optimally and which are not.
You can also tap into the power of your loyal customers; we make it easy for drivers to report violations, station misuse, or maintenance concerns so you can address EV charger repair issues before they become more serious problems.
Last but not least, it is important to do your homework and make sure that when you’re choosing an EV charging station, either for networked or non-networked purposes, you’re choosing hardware that has been Electric Vehicle Charge Station (EVCS) Certified. EVCS certified charging stations are most reliable on the market and are compatible with cloud-based networking services.
Learn More Today
Regardless of the application, size, and scale of your EV charging network, maintenance and repair costs are an important factor that must be considered when weighing your decision. At EV Connect, we want to be your one-stop-shop when it comes to EV charging stations, from providing educational resources pertaining to EV charger repairs to helping you launch, manage, and grow your network.
To learn more about what you can expect when it comes to electric vehicle charging station maintenance and repair costs, simply give us a call at or shoot us a message online today.
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