Charging station operators say that the growing popularity of electric and hybrid cars is leading to an increase in calls to assistance services; a significant share of problems is related to operating specifics and drivers’ lack of experience.
Communication failures between the car and the charging station — around 20%
According to operators, about 20% of all calls concern problems with communication between the vehicle and the charging station. Causes vary: cars with the same connector types sometimes interact differently with charging equipment, and the process can change after a software update to the car or the charging station.
As a result, a car may charge at one station and refuse to work with another, which complicates the use of public charging networks.
Battery depletion and problems starting — around 28%
Approximately 28% of calls are connected with incorrect calculation of range: drivers do not make it to a charging station. Another roughly 28% of cases concern situations when, after the battery is depleted, the car cannot be opened or started.
The cause can be discharge not only of the main traction battery but also of the 12-volt battery, which is also needed for the car to operate. Additionally, about 18% of assistance calls occur after an unsuccessful attempt to charge the car overnight, and approximately 14% of calls are related to using fast public charging stations that sometimes do not recognise the car or fail to start the charging process.
Uneven infrastructure and changing driver habits
According to the source, the situation is complicated by uneven distribution of charging infrastructure: outside large cities drivers have to plan routes more carefully and check station availability. Many indicators do not necessarily indicate low vehicle reliability but rather reflect a change in habits after switching from a petrol car to an electric one.
When planning a trip, you need to take into account the real range, connector type, charging power, station availability and the vehicle’s compatibility with specific equipment. For many owners the first months of using an electric car are an adaptation period, and energy consumption depends on speed, temperature, terrain and driving style.
