Common Reasons Your Charging Session Fails to Start
If you find that your EV does not start charging when you expect it to, these are a few things you can check:
App Settings & Configuration
1. Schedule Configuration
If your Hypervolt is scheduled to charge at a later time, the Home screen on the app will display a countdown clock showing when the next scheduled session will start and the charging session will not begin immediately on plug-in. To confirm if a schedule is set, simply open the Hypervolt App on your smartphone and navigate to the scheduling settings. From there, you can easily view and modify the charging schedule as needed.
If you find yourself needing to start the charging process right away, you can override the schedule by selecting the Plug & Charge option located on the Home Screen. This will bypass any set time restrictions and initiate the charging session immediately, ensuring your EV is ready to go when you need it.
Note: If a charging schedule is set, the Hypervolt will show purple LEDs. When you plug in the EV, the LEDs will start pulsing slowly, indicating that your car is connected but charging is scheduled for a later time.
2. Solar Settings
When setting the charger to Super Eco mode, it is essential to ensure that your solar panels are generating enough energy to support the charging process. The Hypervolt charger will only initiate charging if the solar array is exporting a minimum of 1.4 kW (6A). If the power generated by the solar panels falls below this threshold, the charging session will not commence and enter a solar inhibit mode until the minimum requirement is met.
For immediate charging on plug-in, switch the charger to Boost mode using the Hypervolt app.
Note: If charging is inhibited by solar charging, it will display pale yellow flashing LEDs.
3. Lock Enabled
If the Hypervolt has been electronically locked, you can unlock it by tapping on the Lock icon located on the Hypervolt App's home screen. This action will switch the charge-point back to Unlocked mode.
Note: When the charger is locked, it will display orange LEDs. Upon plugging in when locked, the orange LEDs will begin flashing.
4. Random Start Enabled
To prevent sudden surges in demand on the grid and local substations, all domestic UK charge-points have introduced a random delay of up to 10 minutes before starting a charging session. This helps distribute the load evenly, especially during peak times when multiple charge-points may activate at once across the country. You can easily disable this feature through the Hypervolt app if needed.
Note: If Random Start is enabled and inhibits the charge session, the Hypervolt will display pulsing green LEDs.
Fault Detection
Note: If the Hypervolt has entered Fault Mode it will display red LEDs.
1. Pen fault Protection
Protective Earth Neutral (PEN) fault detection indicates an abnormal supply voltage that falls outside the standard requirements. This poses a potential safety risk, so if a PEN fault is identified, the charger will cease charging until voltage levels return to a safe range.
Any PEN fault occurrences should be reported to the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), the designated authority for investigating irregular supply voltages. Hypervolt's support team can provide additional diagnostic information to assist in the DNO's inquiry.
Note: Under current UK Electrical Laws the safe limits of operation are between 207V-253V
2. RCD Protection
The Hypervolt is equipped with an integrated 6mA DC Residual Current Device (RCD). To eliminate potential hazards, the Hypervolt is designed to halt charging in the event of an electrical fault. If the issue that triggered the internal RCD has been passed, the user can restart charging by rebooting the charge-point.
Other Reasons
1. The Plug is Not Locking into Place
The Hypervolt plug does not have the ability to latch itself to the vehicle charge port. All EV ports will have a locking mechanism to secure the charging plug in place.
For charging to commence, the vehicle must first detect that the plug has been properly inserted into the charge port, activating the locking mechanism. Once this handshake is complete, the vehicle can initiate the charging process.
2. External RCD
Residual current device (RCD) is a safety feature that automatically cuts off power in case of a fault, acting as a safety switch. If the RCD detects an abnormal flow of electricity, it will turn off the power to the charge-point. If the RCD trips, you can simply switch it back on manually. If the RCD keeps tripping frequently, it may signal a weak or faulty RCD that will need to be replaced by a qualified electrician. Please note the external RCD is not supplied by Hypervolt.
Note: The RCD for the Hypervolt installation may be found in the main fuse box (consumer unit) or in a separate fuse box.
3. Vehicle Scheduled Charging Settings
Certain electric vehicles have smart charging capabilities that allow for scheduled charging. It is crucial to verify that both the Hypervolt charger and the electric vehicle do not have an active schedule set up to avoid any delays in charging sessions.
4. EV Battery Limit
Some electric vehicles are equipped with a feature that limits the maximum charge capacity of the battery, preventing it from reaching full capacity. If you encounter this issue, refer to your vehicle's manual for instructions on adjusting or disabling this setting.
Note: If the Hypervolt detects that the vehicle has stopped or won't initiate the charging session, the LEDs will flash blue.