If the app shows a session and the car shows zero kilowatts, one of them is not seeing current. Check the connector is latched, the car is not on a departure timer that has not opened, and the charger current limit is not set to a trickle. Then swap the lead if you have a second Type 2 cable. A lead that works on a public post and fails at home points at the home unit or its settings. A lead that fails everywhere points at the lead or the car. Note any light pattern on the inlet.
The charger app says charging but the car does not
A clamp fault can also make the charger advertise a session at a tiny current. Look for a 1 kW 'charge' that never moves the percentage.
- Confirm the plug is latched
- Compare with a second lead or a public post
- A tiny current can be a clamp or a limit
- Photograph both screens
Check the charger app says charging but the car does not before you accept a price
Photograph both screens at the same time so a helpdesk can see the mismatch.
The price effect of the charger app says charging but the car does not
Replacing the car or the charger before this test is an expensive guess.
A miss that shows up later: the charger app says charging but the car does not
The mistake is a software update spiral while a connector was never fully home.
Write the charger app says charging but the car does not into the quote
Record lead, car and charger results before you book a visit, then give the installer that note.
Frequently asked questions
The car charges at work.
Then focus on the home unit, its schedule and its lead.
Nothing else charges at home either.
Then focus on the home unit and the circuit, including the RCD.
It starts then stops at 1 per cent.
Timers, load limits and inlet faults do that. Capture the log.
Could the onboard charger be dead?
Yes. The pattern from a second location is how the dealer will want it proved.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.