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.
On occasion you may find that your charging session has ended, but the charging cable cannot be released from the charging port. Here are a few suggestions that may help:
Stop the session
Make sure that the charging session has ended by:
- Opening the EVCS app and ending the charging session
- Press the manual Stop button on the front of the charging station or station's on-screen LCD panel (not available on all station models)
- Navigate to your vehicle's charging screen and select the option to end the session
Unlock your vehicle
Some vehicles do not allow you to release the charging cable if the vehicle door is locked. Press your key fob (usually 2-3 times) to unlock the door, then attempt to remove the cable.
Release button on charging cable
Most charging station cables have a button, or raised bump on the top of the charging handle. Pressing this button should release the cable's locking mechanism to allow you to remove the plug.
Note that the button should be fully recessed into the handle. If the button seems to be stuck in place, the vehicle's automatic lock may still be engaged.
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 have a manual handle, lever or cable that will override the automatic lock. Please make sure that the charging station has ended before doing this.
Stuck or damaged vehicle plug
Over time charging connectors can require additional leverage to fully disconnect. This could be due to corrosion or debris on the vehicles charging plug.
- Pull the handle while gently rocking the charging port back and forth.
- Please use extreme care when attempting to remove a stuck charging port as EVCS is not liable for damage caused by use of excessive force.