If you’ve recently had an electric vehicle charger installed — or you’re planning one — you might be wondering:
“Do EV chargers need maintenance or servicing?”
The short answer is: yes, but not much.
EV chargers are designed to be low-maintenance, but a little care and occasional professional inspection will keep them safe, reliable, and performing at their best for years to come.
How Often Should an EV Charger Be Checked?
Most home chargers don’t require annual servicing like a boiler or car. However, it’s good practice to have a visual inspection every year and a full electrical test every three to five years — just like any other fixed electrical installation.
If you’re in Theale or Woolhampton, and your charger was installed a few years ago, now’s a great time to book a safety check. It’s quick, inexpensive, and ensures your charger still meets the latest regulations.
What to Check Yourself
You don’t need to be an electrician to spot early signs of wear or damage. Every few months, take a few minutes to check the following:
- The cable and plug – Look for kinks, cracks, or scorch marks.
- The charger casing – Make sure it’s securely fixed and free from cracks.
- The lights or display – Most chargers use coloured LEDs to show status. Any unfamiliar flashing or warning lights are worth investigating.
- Connections – Make sure plugs fit firmly and there’s no debris in the socket.
- Weatherproofing – For outdoor units, check that seals and covers are intact to keep out rain and dirt.
If anything looks unusual, stop using the charger and call a qualified electrician for advice.
Why Maintenance Matters
Your EV charger works hard, often for several hours every night. Over time, small issues — like loose connections, corrosion, or damaged insulation — can affect performance or safety.
Routine checks can prevent problems before they become serious, such as:
- Tripping circuits caused by moisture or minor faults
- Reduced charging speeds due to overheating or wear
- RCD failures, which protect you from electric shock
- Firmware errors in smart chargers that affect scheduling or app connectivity
At GU Solutions, we’ve carried out plenty of callouts across Silchester, Mortimer Common, and Riseley, where a quick inspection or firmware update fixed issues before they turned into costly repairs.
Smart Chargers Need Smart Checks
If you have a smart charger — like a BG Sync EV, Zappi, Hypervolt, or Pod Point — it’s also important to keep your software updated.
Manufacturers release firmware updates that improve performance, add new features, and patch known bugs. Most chargers update automatically via Wi-Fi, but occasionally, they need a manual prompt from the app or installer.
We include a firmware check as part of every GU Solutions maintenance visit to make sure your charger stays up to date and reliable.
Do EV Chargers Wear Out?
EV chargers are built to last — typically 10 to 15 years — but they do have components that can degrade over time, especially with daily use.
Outdoor chargers in particular are exposed to temperature changes, rain, and UV light, which can take their toll on seals and connectors.
A periodic service helps identify wear early and keeps your charger safe and compliant with the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and EV Charging Code of Practice.
Professional Servicing from GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we offer a full EV charger inspection and maintenance service for homeowners across Basingstoke, Tadley, and the surrounding Hampshire and Berkshire areas.
Our checks include:
- Visual inspection of charger and cable
- Electrical testing and verification
- RCD and fault protection testing
- Firmware update check
- Cleaning, tightening, and safety verification
- Certification and report
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors with over 20 years’ experience in domestic and commercial electrical systems, so you can be sure your charger is in expert hands.
How to Keep Your Charger Running Smoothly
Here are a few simple tips to extend your charger’s lifespan:
- Avoid coiling the cable too tightly — it can strain the internal wires.
- Keep the connector clean and dry.
- Don’t cover the charger, even in winter — it needs ventilation.
- Use a surge protector if your area is prone to power fluctuations.
- Book a professional inspection if you notice slower charging or frequent tripping.
Small habits like these keep your system efficient and safe.
Book an EV Charger Health Check
If your EV charger hasn’t been inspected since installation, or you’ve noticed anything unusual, it’s worth getting it checked.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your EV charger health check.
We’ll test, clean, and verify your system to make sure it’s performing safely and efficiently — keeping you charged, confident, and ready for the road.
Because a reliable charger doesn’t just power your car — it powers peace of mind.
