EV Charger Repair & Replacement Parts (Out of Warranty)
EV Charger Repair & Replacement Parts: Out-of-Warranty Guide
EV charge points are relatively simple pieces of equipment compared to what's inside them looks. The electronics that do the real work — communicating with the vehicle, managing the charge, providing safety protection — are largely modular, which means a fault in one part doesn't necessarily mean the whole unit needs replacing. This is especially useful if your charger's manufacturer has stopped trading, since official warranty support and spare parts may no longer be available, but generic, compatible components often are.
Common EV charger faults and what usually causes them
| Symptom | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Charger won't start a charging session | Faulty EVSE protocol controller (EPC), or a failed contactor/relay | Replace the EPC or contactor |
| Charging stops intermittently | Loose connection, failing EPC, or nuisance tripping on the RCD/RCBO | Check connections; replace EPC or protection device |
| Cable is damaged, cracked, or won't lock | Physical wear on the tethered cable or plug mechanism | Replace the tethered cable |
| Socket won't accept or release the charging cable | Failed motorised or solenoid locking mechanism in the socket | Replace the socket unit |
| RCD/RCBO trips repeatedly | Genuine earth fault, or a protection device reaching end of life | Have an electrician test the circuit; replace the RCD/RCBO if faulty |
| No smart features / app connectivity lost | Manufacturer's backend servers discontinued (common after a manufacturer stops trading) | Often unrecoverable for that specific app, but the charger will usually still function for basic charging |
What if the manufacturer has gone out of business?
If your charger's manufacturer has stopped trading, official warranty support, firmware updates, and branded spare parts are usually no longer available. In most cases, the core hardware — the protocol controller, cable, socket, and protection devices — is standard, generic equipment shared across many charger brands, so a qualified electrician can often source and fit compatible replacement parts rather than needing to remove and replace the whole unit.
Replaceable parts
These are the components most commonly replaced when repairing an AC EV charge point out of warranty:
The most common point of failure in AC charge points. EPC 1.0 through 3.0 Smart, in stock.
View EPCs →Replacement tethered cables and sockets for repairs and custom builds.
View cables & sockets →RCBOs, RCDs, contactors, and PEN fault/surge protection for charge point repairs.
View protection devices →Frequently Asked Questions
Can an EV charger be repaired instead of replaced?
In most cases, yes. AC home charge points are built around a small number of replaceable components — the protocol controller, the cable or socket, and the protection devices. A qualified electrician can usually diagnose which part has failed and replace it, rather than needing to remove and reinstall the entire unit.
What happens to my EV charger if the manufacturer goes out of business?
The charger will typically continue to function for basic charging, though app-based smart features may stop working if they rely on the manufacturer's servers. Official warranty support and branded spare parts are usually no longer available, but the underlying hardware is often generic enough that an electrician can source compatible replacement parts.
Can I repair my EV charger myself?
No — EV chargers are connected to your property's electrical supply at up to 32A and involve working inside a live electrical enclosure. Repairs and part replacements should always be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician, in line with BS 7671 requirements.
What is the most common part to fail in an EV charger?
The EVSE protocol controller (EPC) is one of the most common failure points, since it handles the electronic communication with the vehicle and manages the charging session. Tethered cables are also a frequent point of physical wear and damage due to repeated daily use.
Is it worth repairing an old EV charger or should I replace it entirely?
This depends on the age and condition of the unit and the cost of the replacement part versus a new charge point. For a charger that's otherwise in good condition with one failed component — such as the cable, socket, or EPC — a targeted repair is usually significantly cheaper than a full replacement and reinstallation.
Further reading:
EV charger manufacturers going bust — will your charger still work?
EVSE controllers (EPCs) explained
Charging cables, sockets & accessories explained
← Back to Resources
This guide provides general information for UK installers and EV owners. Any work on an EV charger's electrical components must be carried out by a qualified, registered electrician in accordance with BS 7671. EcoHarmony supplies compatible replacement components but does not provide charger repair or installation services directly.