How to safely connect and disconnect the charging cable from the EV charge port!
When a Hypervolt is plugged into an EV, both systems initiate a communications protocol: The Hypervolt tells the EV how much power it can supply, and the EV responds with how much it can accept.
Charging can only begin once the plug is fully inserted into the vehicle and the EV locking mechanism successfully engages the Hypervolt connector plug.
The EV locking mechanism ensures the Hypervolt connector plug is securely fastened, preventing the charging cable from being accidentally or intentionally disconnected while the vehicle charges. For Type 2 connectors, this is usually achieved with a metal pin that ejects into the charging connector, effectively locking the cable in place.
Failing to latch
If the EV locking mechanism fails to secure the Hypervolt connector, charging will not commence.
The most common reason for this is improper placement or positioning of the Hypervolt connector plug. EV charging ports are equipped with position sensors that detect the correct placement of the charging connector, ensuring it is properly aligned before the latching pin is ejected into the connector.
To troubleshoot:
- First check for debris inside the EV charge port and the Hypervolt connector plug. Debris can prevent proper positioning and might also cause complications such as thermal damage due to an improper connection between the charging pins.
- Next, make sure that the Hypervolt connector plug is fully inserted into the vehicle.
If the EV still fails to deploy the locking pin, consider using a 3-pin connector. Successfully latching onto a 3-pin connector can help rule out any vehicle-related errors.
Failing to unlatch
The EV locking mechanism must disengage before you can unplug the Hypervolt connector. If you’re unable to remove the charging cable, it’s likely that your EV has not ended the charging session or hasn’t recognised that the session has ended.
In these cases, you may need to manually end the charging session using the vehicle’s controls before attempting to remove the cable. Please refer to your vehicle’s user guide for specific instructions on how to do this for your make and model. While the process to stop charging may vary between vehicles, the charge port unlock button is typically located in the centre console, near the driver’s door, or on the key fob.
Please be mindful of applying too much force when attempting to remove Hypervolt connector from the EV. Excessive force may bend and damage the EV locking pin.
If you find yourself unable to unlock the charge port under normal circumstances, most vehicles are equipped with an emergency release. Please refer to your vehicle’s user guide for specific instructions on how to do this for your make and model.
Please note it’s your EV that controls when to release the charging port pin, to allow the release of the cable once charging is complete.
Tips & Best Practice
- Always make sure the charging session has fully ended before attempting to remove the Hypervolt connector plug.
- Consult your EV manual to familiarise yourself with how to properly stop a charging session.
- Consult your EV manual to familiarise yourself with how to identify and locate the emergency release lever.
- If you are stuck, consider contacting your EV manufacturer for more information and support.