Session won't start or stops unexpectedly

Session won't start or stops unexpectedly

Use this guide if your charging session won't start, drops out after a few seconds, or stops unexpectedly mid-charge.

If the charger itself appears offline or unresponsive (showing as Unavailable in the app, or no power at all), see The Charger I'm Trying to Use Isn't Working. This article covers cases where the charger looks available but the session isn't working as expected. You can also check our Charging station status updates page for known issues at specific sites.

✓ Try the Help button first

For most charger-side issues, the fastest fix is to tap Help on the station screen in the Wevolt App and call the charger operator's number shown there. They own and maintain the charger and can usually resolve hardware, cable, and access problems in minutes. Learn how Wevolt and charger operators split support.

Before you tap Start

A quick pre-flight check resolves most won't-start issues:

  • Make sure your account is verified. If you've just signed up, confirm your email address before you try to charge. A new account can't start a session until it's verified. If your code didn't arrive, see I Didn't Receive a Sign-In Verification Code.
  • Plug the cable in fully. Most connectors need a firm push until you hear or feel the latch click. A partial connection lets the app reach "Connecting" but never "Charging".
  • On chargers that lock the socket, start from the app first. Some AC chargers keep the socket locked until you begin the session. If plugging in does nothing, select the connector in the app and press Start before connecting the cable. On most DC fast chargers you plug in first, then start.
  • Confirm the connector matches your car (CCS2, Type 2, or AC tethered). The Wevolt App shows the connector type on each charger listing.
  • Check your phone has signal or Wi-Fi. The app needs an internet connection to authorise and start the session.
  • Make sure your car is "awake". Some EVs need the ignition on, or a tap on the central screen, before they will accept a charge.

Issue 1 — Session won't start (stuck on "Connecting")

If you tap Start in the app and the screen sits on "Connecting" or "Starting" without progressing to "Charging":

  1. Wait 30 seconds. The handshake between the app, the charger, and your car can take a moment.
  2. Unplug the connector, wait 10 seconds, plug it back in firmly.
  3. Close the Wevolt App fully (swipe it away from your recent apps) and reopen it. Tap the charger and try again.
  4. If the station has more than one connector, try the other one.
  5. Try restarting your phone. This clears any stuck network state.

If the session still won't start after these steps, the charger may have a temporary fault. Tap the Help button on the charger listing in the app to find the contact for the site operator.

Issue 2 — Session starts but drops out after a few seconds

If the app shows "Charging" briefly but then disconnects within a few seconds:

  • This is usually caused by a handshake mismatch between the charger and your car, or a brief connectivity drop at the site.
  • Repeat the steps in Issue 1 above — unplug, wait, replug firmly, and start.
  • If it drops every time on the same connector, try a different connector at the same station if one is available.

Issue 3 — Session stops unexpectedly mid-charge

If charging started normally but stopped before your vehicle was full:

  • The most common cause is your vehicle's battery management system cutting the session at a target state of charge (often around 80% or full). Check your car's display.
  • Less commonly, the charger or site lost connectivity briefly. You can start a fresh session in the app.
  • If your car was NOT full and you'd like to continue, unplug, wait 10 seconds, and start a new session via the app.

If a stopped session triggered an idle parking fee while you were still plugged in, see I Was Charged an Idle Parking Fee After My Session Stopped Unexpectedly.

Issue 4 — App won't acknowledge that you've unplugged

If you've removed the cable but the Wevolt App still shows the session as active:

  • This is usually a brief sync delay with the site. The session ends as soon as you unplug, and you will only be charged for the kWh delivered to your vehicle.
  • The status will update automatically once we receive the final session data from the charger. This usually takes a few minutes, and occasionally up to a day or two.

For more detail, see Charge not stopping after unplugging?

Issue 5 — Charger shows red or flashing lights

Indicator lights vary by charger model, but in general:

  • Solid green — ready to use.
  • Blue or cyan — session active, charging.
  • Flashing red, or red and white together — fault state. Do not force a session. The charger needs attention from the site operator.
  • No lights at all — the charger may have lost power at the site.

If you see a fault light, tap the Help button on the charger listing in the app and contact the operator for that site.

Will I be charged if the session failed?

✓ Good news on short sessions

If less than 0.5 kWh of electricity was dispensed during your session, you will not be charged. The session is cancelled automatically.

If 0.5 kWh or more was dispensed before the session stopped, you will be charged for the electricity used.

What about the $25 pre-authorisation hold?

When you start a session, a temporary $25.00 pre-authorisation hold is placed on your card to verify it is active. This is not a charge. It is released at the end of the session.

If your session failed before any electricity was dispensed, the $25.00 hold will be released. Depending on your bank, it may take several business days to appear back in your available balance.

Still need help?

If the steps above haven't resolved your issue, reach out to our support team.

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