
Although electric vehicles (EVs) are acknowledged for their reliability and low maintenance, they can have their set of problems. Even if EVs have less moving parts compared to gas-powered vehicles, they still face difficulties like charging problems, battery damage, software bugs, and sensor failures.
If you are having Electric Car Problems, do not worry! Most of the common issues faced with EVs can be resolved at home if you know how to trouble shoot them. In this guide we will provide you with How To Solve The Most Common Electric Cars Issues Within Your Own Home so that you do not have to spend an arm and leg to fix them at the garage.
1. EV Won’t Start
Possible Causes
Your 12V Battery Card May Be Dead / Deceased (Believe it or not, EV’s have a standard 12V battery)
A Glitch in Software
A Key Fob Malfunction
How to Fix It
Jumper And Battery Charger – find one, and check the 12V battery. Avoid using a dead battery to avoid issues down the road.
Restart the Car – navigate your way to unlocking your steering lock and try turning the power on and pressing it for 10-30 Seconds. Recheck if the system is reset.
Fob Key Battery Needs Changing– if the key fob battery dies, it becomes impossible for the vehicle to access the key and no further steps need to be taken.
Pro Tip: If the EV does not jump start straight away, look into the main battery, if the energy is depleted or needs charging.
2. Electric Vehicle Won’t Charge
Possible Causes
Broken charging cable or port.
Charging station problems.
Issues with Battery Management System (BMS).
How to Fix It
Test Another Charger – Use another charging station or different cable.
Examine the charging port – Look into whether it is dirty or blocked.
Reset Car Charging System – Unplug the charger, lock and unlock the vehicle, and try once more.
Pro Tip: Certain EVs let you reboot the charging system using the infotainment display.
3. Reduction in driving range.
Possible Causes
Battery deterioration.
Weather extremes (Cold or hot)
Ineffective driving patterns.
How to Fix It
Avoid using DC fast charging frequently as it damages the battery.
Eco mode use – This changes acceleration and power output for energy conservation.
Battery preconditioning – Ensure the battery is warm before driving in very cold conditions.
Don’t fully charge or deeply discharge – Keep your battery between 20-80% to ensure it lasts longer.
Pro Tip: Always check tire pressure and use regenerative braking to boost range.
4. Problems with Software & Infotainment Systems
Potential Sources
System Bugs
Software is Outdated
Connectivity Issues or Frozen Screen
Solutions
Restart Infotainment System – Press and hold the power button for 10-30 seconds.
Look For Software Changes – New changes can be found under Settings > Software Updates. Make sure to install these as well.
Unpair and Re-Pair the Device – If you are having connectivity issues, try unpairing your phone from Bluetooth and then re-pairing.
Tip: To force a system reboot, I suggest you fully reset the device then disconnect the 12V battery for 5-10 minutes before reconnecting it.
Also Read = Telo MT1 – A $50K Mini Electric Truck with Big Ambitions
5. Issues with Regenerative Braking
Underlying Reasons
Battery is at Max Capacity
Cold Weather Energy Use
Software Restrictions
Suggestions for Improvement
Wait Until Battery is Less Than Fully Charged – Regenerative braking energy storage works poorly when there is too much power.
Warm Up The Battery – Driving for a few minutes can increase efficiency in cold weather.
Look For Software Upgrades – Look out and install any upgrades some manufacturers make to improve the braking system.
Tip: If you notice your regenerative braking is weaker than usual, try checking your brake fluid levels and brake pads.
6. Whirring Sound While Driving
Possible Issues
Tire Related Problems
Loose Interior Panels
Electric Motor Sounds (Humming or Whining)
Wrench: Check Tire Pressure or Alignment- Abnormal noises from the headlight can be a result of low tire pressure.
Check for Normal Electric Vehicle Sounds– Electric motor is known to make whining sound with a reason.
Pro Tip: Be proactive if you start hearing grinding or rattling noises take the time to check your brakes immediately.
7. PC Or Air Conditioning Not Responding
Possible Issues
AC Blowing Cold Air Instead Of Heat
THe AC works correctly But Heat Is Not
Some Controls Freezing Up
Tips To Solve Them
Reset climate Controls– Change temperature and start the ignition off and back on.
Check for Possible AC Leaks– Check along the AC lines for any oily substances.
Pro Tip: Consider preconditioning the battery for improved performance when your heater does not work in cold weather.
Common Causes
✓ Brake Pedal Appears Not to Be Fully Depressed
✓ Software Lockout Issue
✓ 12V Battery Charge is too Low
Solutions
Press & Hold the Brake Pedal for a Few Seconds: Identifying some electric vehicles requires a solid brake pedal press before shifting gears.
Restart the Vehicle: Change the power state on the automobile to reset the Gear box actions.
Check the 12V Battery: If it is discovered that the battery is low, the car will not shift into Drive mode.
Pro Tips: In case you have found your EV in the Park position and cannot drive inside the automobile, check on the possibility of the manufacturer releasing an urgent software update.
Final Remarks: Always Maintain Your EV in Excellent Condition
Using the procedures labeled as Most Common Fixes for Electric Vehicles at Home, there is a chance of being more reliable and efficient in how you use money and time. While electric vehicles seem to need less servicing compared to gasoline powered cars, they do face a handful of issues that need fixing.
Final Thoughts Keeping Your EV in Top Shape
Having an understanding of How to repair common electric vehicle faults can significantly reduce costs associated with repairs. Although EV’s have low maintenance requirements relative to fuel automobiles, they still have persistent challenges of a technological nature, which must be diagnosed and resolved.
Quick Fix Overview
EV does not start?: Reset the system or jump the 12V battery.
The vehicle is not charging?: Consider using another charger or just cleaning the port.
The vehicle’s range is declining?: Do not allow deep discharges & precondition the battery.
Having Software problems?: Update the software or reboot the system.
Unwanted Sounds?: Inspect brakes, tires or interior parts.
Do you have any trouble with your A/C or Heater? Reset the climate system, or check the filters.
With these DIY fixes, there is no need to make frequent visits to a dealership as you would be able to keep your EV running efficiently.
If you have suffered any of these problems, please tell us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Definitely! You can jump start the 12V battery but do not attempt jump starting the main high voltage battery.
That might be a bit on the colder side, your battery might be old, or if might even be the charging cable.
Check on your Manufacturer’s website or simply in your car infotainment system, just head to Settings > Software Updates.
Make sure that your foot is holding the brake pedal down, then check the 12V battery and give the car a new start.