Maintenance and Repair of Charging Systems and the Charging Port
Electric Vehicle Charging Ports and Charging Systems
Several different types of charging ports are fitted to plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
Type 1
AC charging connector found on older New Zealand New electric vehicles and most Japanese grey imports. Also know as the SAE J1772 port.
New Zealand has opted for standardising Type 2 at public charging stations and Type 1 is being phased out – if you are the owner of a vehicle with a Type 1 port, we can provide approved adapters and charge cables compatible with Type 2 stations.
Type 2
The standard AC charging connector in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Also referred to as Mennekes port.
DC Fast Charging
Combined System Charging (CCS) ports combine a Type 1 or Type 2 AC port with additional pins for DC charging. CCS Combo 2 is the standard connector for DC charging in New Zealand.
Some Japanese-assembled or imported vehicles are fitted with CHAdeMo, a separate DC only conector.
DC charging can deliver much faster charge rates than AC chargers. However, not all electric vehicles support DC fast charging. DC charging leads are always tethered to the charger, and DC charging standards do not allow the use of adapters.
Tesla (NACS)
AC/DC connector used on Teslas imported from Japan or the US. May be found on other North American market imports as this has been opened to other manufacturers under the North American Charging Standard (NACS).
Common Problems With Charging Ports and Systems
Common problems associated with electric vehicle charging ports can range from minor inconveniences to major problems.
If your electric vehicle won’t charge, there could be several reasons. One of the most common problems is that the charging port isn't connecting properly to the charging cable. This may be due to a faulty latch or a damaged port. Another problem is that the charging port is not receiving power, which may be caused by a blown fuse or a faulty charging station. It’s important to consult your vehicle owner's manual and check for any error codes or warning lights before proceeding with troubleshooting.
When it comes to repairing electric vehicle charging ports, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Charging ports are complex electrical components. Diagnosis and repair require specialized knowledge and equipment, and attempting to repair the charging port yourself could not only void the vehicle warranty but also pose a safety risk. Our NexDrive technicians have the equipment and tools needed to safely diagnose and repair your vehicle’s charging port. Remember that electric vehicle high-voltage batteries are dangerous if not handled with proper safety equipment and professional materials.
Charging your Electric Vehicle
Here are some important recommendations on charging your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle:
Do:
- Keep your charging station clean: wipe it regularly with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the outside.
- Check for updates on your home charging station and install them if necessary.
- Keep the charging cable in a safe place to make sure it’s away from water and other hazards.
- Inspect the charging ports on a regular basis for debris or damage such as a bent pin or loose plug. If you find any damage, consult a NexDrive centre immediately to avoid further damage.
- Inspect your charging cable periodically for worn insulation, loose connectors and exposed wires.
Don’t:
- Leave your charging cable’s connector on the ground, even if it’s in your garage.
- Use socket adapters, extension cables, multi-boxes or portable sockets. EV charging demands extended periods of high electrical current.
- Use damaged charging equipment.
- Charge more than one EV at a time on a single wall outlet.
- Use charging equipment which has been modified or was not designed to be sold in Australia or New Zealand. A dealer may claim that modified imported equipment is safe to use because it claims to comply with AS/NZ 3760 or has a tag or label. This is not correct. AS/NZS 3760 provides no guarantee of safety for EV charging equipment.