Did you know that about 6 in 10 Americans live within two miles of a public EV charger? And while most EV charging happens at home, having accessible charging stations is important if EVs are to overtake fuel-powered cars.
While the future of EVs is bright, some issues persist, especially for certain manufacturers and models. One such example is the Chevy Silverado EV saying it’s not charging even though it is.
Chevy Silverado EV Says Not Charging
If your Chevy Silverado EV says it’s not charging, there’s a chance it’s just a display error on the main screen. Silverado owners have reported leaving the charger plugged in regardless of the message and walking away with a fully charged EV the following day.
Some chargers display status chargers, so it’s best to cross-reference. If the Silverado main screen says not charging while the charger says it is, it may be safe to assume you’ll have a fully charged EV after a few hours.
Possible Reasons Chevy Silverado EV Isn’t Charging
Some common reasons why the Chevy Silverado isn’t charging include battery pack problems, incompatible charging stations, battery management system issues, error codes, and the charging station not sending power.
Battery Pack and/or Coolant Problems
Some drivers have reported seeing “Service High Voltage System,” which resulted in the EV not charging. This issue is also persistent on other EV models, indicating low coolant levels for the hybrid battery.
To fix the issue, you can top up the hybrid battery coolant. Some Silverado owners also reported changing the battery pack removed the message and allowed them to charge their EV again. If possible, it’s best to consult a mechanic for a professional diagnosis since they’ll have better know-how on issues like these.
Incompatible Charging Station
There are typically three types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The difference between the three is their power rating, with Level 1 being the slowest charging type and Level 3 being the fastest.
Some Chevy Silverado owners reported incompatibility issues with some charger types. You can try testing out a different type to see if it’s compatible.
Other owners also mentioned their EVs needing time to reset, so they turned off the vehicle and tried again after a few hours. If the problem persists, check the battery or take your EV to a mechanic.
It’s worth noting that Chevrolet doesn’t recommend using Tesla equipment to charge their vehicles at the moment. They warn against using adapters with non-GM equipment. These can subject the vehicle to electrical currents beyond capacity, causing issues such as overheating.
Battery Management System Issues
Every EV has a Battery Management System (BMS) that controls the battery to guarantee optimal performance, longevity, and safety. The system is made up of sensors, processors, circuits, and power supplies.
These components work together to protect the battery. If it senses charging anomalies, the BMS may limit currents to a safe level or even disconnect from circuits if needed.
Once this happens, you should visit a technician and have them reset or inspect the BMS since it may continue to prevent charging at an optimal level.
Error Codes
OBD-II codes are part of the self-diagnostic system for cars. These five-digit codes help DIYers and mechanics identify which systems may be experiencing issues. Retrieving the stored error codes may help you identify the underlying cause of your Silverado’s charging problems.
Chevy drivers with charging issues mentioned encountering the codes U2B8F and P1E00.
The U2B8F code generally means problems with wiring or the battery, leading to low voltage and the lack of power to charge your EV fully. Meanwhile, the P1E00 code could be linked to the Hybrid Powertrain Control Module, which is the system that manages the battery’s power.
There are different ways to clear these codes, like disconnecting the car battery or using an OBD-II scanner. However, it’s best to consult with a mechanic for professional advice.
Charging Station Not Sending Power
Charging stations may also cause charging issues. In this scenario, the best thing to do is to look for a functioning station. Some common causes for station failures include hardware/software issues and user errors.
Hardware issues are tricky since there’s nothing you can do to fix them other than reporting to the company to have damaged parts replaced.
On the other hand, you can resolve software issues by updating your vehicle. If the station’s software is outdated, report it to the company and look for a nearby station to charge your EV.
Lastly, user errors are also a common cause for EVs not properly charging at these stations. Minor mistakes like incorrectly plugging the cable, using incompatible charging equipment, or not activating the charging session lead to charging issues.
As such, it’s best to double-check that everything is proper to ensure you don’t waste time looking for another charging station.
Chevy Silverado EV Optimal Charge Level
The 20-80% battery rule suggests keeping your EV charged between 20% and 80% because charging efficiency is optimal within this range and mitigates stress on the battery, reducing wear and tear while prolonging its lifespan.
According to Chevy, charging between 20% and 80% for daily use promotes battery help and optimal regenerative braking performance since regenerative braking is limited above 80%.
Chevy also made it easier to charge to 80% by introducing the myChevrolet mobile app that lets you adjust the battery’s maximum charge state.
This means your Silverado will automatically stop charging once it reaches 80%. Of course, the biggest disadvantage of following the 20-80% rule is the battery may not have enough power for long trips, which could pose a problem if your destination doesn’t have many charging stations along the way.
Chevy Silverado EV Charge Rate
The Silverado EV’s charge rate depends on the charger type you’re using:
- Level 1: A standard outlet at home, or a Level 1 charger, will take somewhere between 24 and 48 hours to fully charge the Silverado.
- Level 2: Meanwhile, a professionally installed home charging system can fully charge the EV in about eight to 10 hours, a significant increase compared to Level 1 charging.
- DC: Lastly, the Silverado EV can charge up to 350 kW, giving you 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at public charging stations.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
