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Emergency Planning

What to Do if a Charging Station is Full or Out of Service

Last updated: October 2025

Emergency guide for handling full or broken charging stations, including backup strategies and prevention tips for confident EV travel.

Quick answer

If a site is full or out of service, switch early to a nearby backup and keep a steady arrival buffer. Aim to arrive ~10–20% and leave ~60–80% on DC fast days. Use your app to check live status, pricing, and fees before you plug in.

At-a-glance: what to do now

All stalls occupied

Do this:

Queue only if ETA is short; otherwise route to backup within ~10–20 mi

Why it helps:

Saves time; avoids idle fees.

Station shows "out of service"

Do this:

Route to backup; avoid repeated retries

Why it helps:

Prevents wasting buffer.

Low SOC (<10%) & site is full

Do this:

Reduce speed ~5–10 mph; HVAC moderate; route to nearest working site or Level 2

Why it helps:

Extends range to reach power.

Partial site outage

Do this:

Try another stall first; avoid paired/derated units

Why it helps:

Faster session; fewer restarts.

Card/app fails to start

Do this:

Try alternate payment (app/RFID/Tap); reboot app; pick another stall

Why it helps:

Quick recovery.

Adapter/connector mismatch

Do this:

Use certified adapters only; otherwise switch to a compatible site

Why it helps:

Avoids plug surprises.

Plan B / Plan C before you go
  • •For every planned stop, save a backup within ~10–20 miles and a farther Plan C every 2–3 stops.
  • •Prefer hubs with many stalls and recent successful check-ins.
  • •Confirm connector type and bring the correct certified adapter.
On-site triage
  • •Walk the line quickly: look for error screens, cones, or derated units; choose a healthy stall first.
  • •If the session won't start after one retry, switch stalls or sites—don't burn buffer.
  • •On paired/limited sites, avoid sharing a pair when an unpaired stall is free.
Low-battery playbook
  • •If arrival is trending <10%, drop speed slightly, close windows/racks, set HVAC to efficient mode.
  • •Route to the nearest reliable DC site; if none, target a public Level 2 to stabilize SOC, then continue to DC.
  • •Keep at least a 5–10% cushion when leaving the Level 2.
Verify status & fees
  • •Check live availability/derates in the app; review recent user reports/photos.
  • •Note session fees, idle fees, and per-minute vs per-kWh pricing before you plug in.
  • •End the session promptly to avoid idle charges.
Report & refunds

If a charger fails or overbills, capture the stall ID and a screen/photo, end the session, and contact network support via the app. Many providers adjust failed sessions on request.

Safety & etiquette
  • •Keep cables tidy; avoid standing water; do not use damaged gear.
  • •Move when finished; leave room for trailers and accessibility needs.
  • •Never use homemade adapters; certified only.
Quick math

Extra miles from slowing down ≈ small but meaningful: dropping ~5–10 mph on highway can recover enough range to reach your backup safely.

Related Questions

How to find reliable EV chargers on long routes

Guide to finding and verifying reliable charging stations for road trips.

How to plan a long EV road trip

Step-by-step guide to planning successful long-distance EV travel.

How to minimize range anxiety on highways

Strategies to reduce range anxiety and drive confidently on long trips.

Emergency Contacts

Electrify America

1-833-632-2778

ChargePoint

1-888-758-4389

EVgo

1-877-494-3833

Tesla Roadside

1-877-798-3752

Quick Emergency Tips
Always have 2-3 backup charging locations planned
Download offline maps before long trips
Keep multiple charging apps installed
Allow extra time for charging delays