What To Do When Your Hybrid Or Electric Vehicle Doesn't Seem To Be Charging Completely

Although hybrid cars and fully electric vehicles have not completely taken over the auto industry just yet, they can still experience problems just like the gas-loaded ones can. The biggest concern that you may encounter with your hybrid or electric is a vehicle that does not seem to charge fully. There could be a couple of reasons for this, and before you take your car in for auto repair, you may want to check these potential problems out carefully.

Plug-in Station Is Not Receiving Enough Power

If your plug-in station at home is supplied by your own electrical box, it may not be getting enough power. It could overload your fuse box and then shut down, leaving your vehicle with less than adequate electricity the next morning. Of course, your first tip-off that this is the problem would be a lack of power to your entire house when you wake up for work the next day. When the company that installs your plug-in station comes to fix the problem, have them check to see that your home's fuse box has enough wattage to handle juicing up an electric/hybrid car. Then you can update the electrical box and know that your eco-friendly vehicle will do just fine after that.

Car's Plug Seems Loose or Does Not Fit Snugly

You will not see this happen with new vehicles, but it could happen after several years of ownership. The plugs on most of these vehicles are supposed to fit snugly and securely, like a tight gas tank cap. If they wiggle or do not connect properly, it could explain a lack of electrical power. Make sure it fits exactly as the owner's manual says it should, and if it does not, then you need to contact the manufacturer and see where you can take the car for repairs.

Rechargeable Battery Does Not Hold Charge 

Granted, the battery is rechargeable, but if you had your vehicle plugged in all night and your car only gets you as far as the street corner, that is a problem. If there is nothing else apparently wrong with the charging system, then have an auto service examine the battery. It may just be that the battery is faulty, and you will need to replace it.

Checking the Rest of the Electrical System

When you find that you have to take your electrical/hybrid car in for repairs, you should probably have the rest of the electrical system checked as well. Many of the same engine components found in gas-fueled engines are the same in electrical/hybrid cars and can break down just as easily. Since the alternator and starter are two parts you cannot diagnose a problem with without an automotive diagnostic machine, your mechanic can poke around and check them out for you.

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