What to Do If a Public EV Charger Is Broken? (And How to Report It?)

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow rapidly in the United States, the need for reliable public charging infrastructure has never been greater. But even in 2025, many EV drivers still encounter a frustrating and common issue: broken public EV chargers. Whether you find a charger with a frozen screen, a jammed connector, or one that simply doesn’t supply power, it can disrupt your travel plans and cause range anxiety. So what should you do if you come across a faulty charging station? More importantly, how do you report it so others don’t face the same issue?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps you should take when you encounter a non-working public EV charger, how to report it effectively, and ways to prevent future inconvenience.

Common Issues Found with Public EV Chargers

Before diving into what to do, it’s important to understand the kinds of problems you might encounter:

1. No Power or Unresponsive Charger: The charger doesn’t start or appears dead.
2. Faulty Connectors or Cables: Broken or stuck connectors that can’t latch properly.
3. Payment System Failures: Card readers or apps that fail to initiate charging.
4. Software or UI Glitches: Freezing touchscreen or incorrect charging instructions.
5. Networking Errors: The charger can’t connect to the network, rendering it unusable.
6. Slow Charging Speeds: Fast charger delivering much less than advertised kW.
7. Inaccurate Display: Mismatched battery percentage, kWh delivered, or pricing info.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If a Public EV Charger Is Broken?

1. Check Your EV First

Sometimes, the issue might not be with the charger at all.

• Ensure your vehicle is in the proper gear (usually Park) to begin charging.
• Double-check cable connections.
• Restart your infotainment or charging screen.
• Try another nearby charger (if available).

2. Try Restarting the Session

• Cancel the current charging session through the app or charger interface.
• Re-plug the connector securely and start the session again.
• If using an app like ChargePoint, EVgo, or Electrify America, restart the charger remotely.

3. Document the Issue

Taking a few seconds to gather information can speed up the resolution.

• Take photos of the screen (error message, charger ID, and location).
• Note the time and date of your attempt.
• Take a screenshot of the app or network’s interface if possible.

4. Move to Another Charger (If Possible)

If the charger is clearly unusable and you’re in a multi-charger station, try another unit. Often only one out of several chargers might be down.

5. Report the Faulty Charger

The most important step—report the charger to ensure:

• It’s fixed sooner.
• Others aren’t inconvenienced.
• You possibly get a refund or compensation.

How to Report a Broken EV Charger?

A. Through the Charging Network’s App or Website

Here’s how to report issues across popular charging networks in the U.S.:

B. Report Through PlugShare

• Open the PlugShare app or website.
• Navigate to the station you visited.
• Click Check-in and mark it as Broken or describe the issue.

This helps thousands of other drivers and crowd-sources real-time updates.

C. Use Government Portals or Contact Site Hosts

• AFDC Station Locator (DOE) allows users to report issues.
• For chargers hosted at Walmart, IKEA, Target, etc., notify store management or contact the store’s customer service.

What to Expect After Reporting?

A. Confirmation or Ticket Creation

Most networks will generate a support ticket and notify maintenance.

B. Estimated Repair Time

Depending on the network, repair times can range from 24 hours to several days.

C. Refund or Charging Credit

Some providers (like Electrify America or EVgo) offer partial or full credit if your session failed.

D. Updates via App or Email

You might receive alerts when the charger is operational again.

Pro Tips to Avoid Getting Stuck

1. Check Charger Status Before You Drive: Use apps like PlugShare, ABRP, or Google Maps reviews to see live updates.
2. Carry a Backup Charging Cable: In case a tethered charger is broken.
3. Favor Multi-Charger Stations: More chances of finding at least one working unit.
4. Use Reliable Networks: Stick with providers known for uptime like ChargePoint or Tesla (if using an adapter).
5. Keep Contact Numbers Handy: Save support contacts of your go-to charging networks.

Interactive Map: Reported Broken Chargers & Updates (2025)

COMING SOON ON EV NEWSS: Monthly updated map of reported broken chargers across the U.S. using PlugShare, user submissions, and verified reports. Stay informed and plan smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get a refund for a failed charging session?

Yes. Most major networks provide partial refunds or charge credits if the session didn’t deliver power. Make sure to report the issue with proof.

2. Is it illegal for public EV chargers to be broken?

No, but consistent downtime can violate uptime requirements in federally funded stations. Reporting helps hold operators accountable.

3. What app is best to check charger reliability?

PlugShare is the most widely used community-driven app with real-time updates on charger functionality.

4. How long does it take to repair a broken charger?

Repair times vary. Some get fixed in 24–48 hours, while others may take a week depending on parts and location.

5. What if all chargers in a location are broken?

Look for nearby alternatives using apps like Chargeway, EVgo, or ABRP. Notify the network and post on PlugShare for visibility.

Conclusion

Encountering a broken public EV charger can be frustrating, but knowing how to respond and report effectively makes a big difference—not just for you, but for the broader EV-driving community. With EV adoption rising, reliable infrastructure is a shared responsibility. Every report helps improve the network for everyone.

Bookmark this guide and share it with fellow EV drivers to ensure you’re prepared the next time your EV charging plans hit a bump.