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Car Not Charging: Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting Guide

Get your Emporia EV charger charging again with simple step‑by‑step checks you can do before contacting support.

Updated today

If your EV Charger isn't charging your vehicle, work through the steps below in order. Most issues can be resolved without contacting support.

Step 1: Check Power and LEDs

Confirm the charger has power before anything else. Work through these checks in order.

Check the Breaker

Verify the breaker controlling your EV Charger is in the On position. If it has tripped, switch it off, wait 1–2 minutes, then switch it back on. For NEMA plug-in installations, also ensure the plug is fully and securely seated in the outlet.

Confirm the green power LED on the charger is illuminated — if it is off, the charger is not receiving power.

Verify Power Supply

If the charger still has no power after checking the breaker, use an electrical meter to verify the supply:

  • Measure voltage between L1 and L2 — should read approximately 240V (or 208V on a three-phase system)

  • Measure voltage from each line to ground — should read approximately 120V on each leg

  • Confirm the ground wire is a proper ground connection, not a neutral

  • Verify correct wire gauge — 6 AWG is required

Inspect Internal Connections (Hardwired Installations Only)

If voltage is confirmed but the charger still won't power on, inspect the internal wiring connections:

  • Turn the breaker off before opening the charger enclosure

  • Check that all power supply wires are securely attached and correctly terminated above the metal contact

  • Re-secure any loose connections before restoring power

Check the LED Strip Connection

If the charger has power but the LED strip is not illuminating, confirm the LED strip is securely connected to both the cover and the circuit board.

If you see orange flashing LEDs, refer to the Classic or Pro charger fault codes and LED indicators article for the specific fault and corrective action.


Step 2: Check the App

  • Open the Emporia Energy app and confirm the charger is set to On — if it is set to Off, the charger will not charge even with a vehicle plugged in

  • Check for active schedules that may be preventing charging outside of scheduled hours

  • If the app shows the charger as Offline, check your Wi-Fi connection and see EV Charger Wi-Fi & Connectivity Issues


Step 3: Check Your Adapter (If Using One)

If you are using an adapter between the charger and your vehicle's charge port, confirm it is compatible with Level 2 AC charging.

Use only Level 2 AC adapters — DC fast charging adapters (such as CCS) are not compatible with the Emporia EV Charger and will not work. DC adapters use different voltage levels, current types, and communication protocols than Level 2 AC chargers.



Compatible adapters:

  • J1772-to-NACS: For vehicles with a NACS inlet using a J1772 charger

  • NACS-to-J1772: For vehicles with a J1772 inlet using a NACS charger



Adapter requirements: Ensure the adapter is rated for 240V, supports at least 48A, and is UL-listed. Choose adapters from reputable manufacturers — they handle sustained high-current loads reliably. While Emporia does not endorse specific brands, many customers have had positive experiences with Lectron adapters.


Step 4: Check Your Vehicle

  • Ensure the charging cable is fully inserted, and the connector latch is flush and locked — try unplugging and replugging firmly

  • Check the vehicle's charging settings for any active departure times or charge schedules that may be delaying the session

  • Confirm the vehicle's battery is not already at or near its set charge limit


Step 5: Test Further

  • If possible, test with a different vehicle to determine whether the issue is with the charger or the specific vehicle

  • If possible, test the vehicle with a different Level 2 charger to determine whether the issue is with the vehicle's charge port


Still Not Charging?

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, please contact our Customer Support team. Our team can remotely review your Emporia EV Charger’s data to see how both the charger and your vehicle are behaving during charging attempts and help identify next steps.​

Feedback and Suggestions

This knowledge base is continuously updated to provide the most helpful guidance for Emporia customers. If you found this article unclear or have suggestions for improvement, please contact our Customer Support team.

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