I Can't Disconnect the Charging Port From My Car

Most EV vehicles have a safety lock mechanism that assures the charging cable cannot be released while a charging session is in progress. This reduces the risk of electric shock or damage to the vehicle, charging station, and user. However in rare cases the vehicle may not release the lock as expected.

Here are a few suggestions that may help if you are unable to remove the charging port from your car.

Stop the session

Before getting started, make sure the session has ended. If not, these tips from our article I Can't Stop the Charging Session may help:

1. EVCS or Web App: Press the stop button on the charging menu.
2. Charging station:
   1. Press the manual Stop button on the front of the charging station or station's on-screen LCD panel (if applicable).
   2. Tap your card on the credit card reader, then press the stop button on the station.
3. Vehicle menus:
   1. Navigate to your vehicle's charging screen and select the option to end the session.
   2. Go into your vehicles charging settings and set the max charge percentage to a number lower than your vehicles current state of charge. i.e. If you're currently at 82%, set the max charge level to 80%.

Press the release button

Once you've verified that the session has ended, most charging station cables have a button, or raised bump on the top of the charging handle.

1. Press the button on the handle firmly, then carefully remove the plug from your vehicle.
2. If the button is stiff or sticking, try pushing the handle in a little bit before re-attempting. Make sure that the button is fully depressed into the handle before removing the plug from your vehicle.
3. If the button seems to be firmly stuck in place, the vehicle's automatic safety lock may still be engaged. Try these next steps to resolve.

Unlock your vehicle

Some vehicles do not allow you to release the charging cable if the vehicle door is locked.

1. Try unlocking the door, then attempt to remove the cable.
2. Some vehicles may require pressing the unlock button 3 or 4 times in a row.

Manually unlock the charging port

Check your vehicle's owners manual for a manual unlock option.

• Often a menu option for an "unlock" or "release" option is located on your vehicles main charging screen.
• Your vehicle may also be equipped with a manual handle, lever or cable that will override the automatic lock. Please make sure that the charging station has ended before doing this.