EV Charger Stuck on 'Preparing'? What It Means & How to Get Charging

You've plugged your electric vehicle (EV) into a public charging station, initiated the session, and are eagerly waiting for the power to flow. But instead of "Charging," the display or app shows "Preparing." What exactly does this mean, and what should you do?

The "Preparing" status on an EV charger indicates that the charging process is in its initial handshake phase. It's like the charger and your car are having a quick conversation to ensure everything is safe and ready before electricity starts flowing.

What "Preparing" Means:

When you see "Preparing," it generally signifies one of the following:

1. Vehicle Detected, Awaiting Authorization: Your EV is physically plugged into the charger, and the station has recognized its presence. However, it's waiting for you to authorize the charge. This usually means:
   • Scanning a QR code: You might need to scan a QR code on the charger with your app.
   • Swiping the SWTCH Charge Card(RFID card): You need to tap your charging SWTCH Charge card.
   • Selecting "Start Charger" in the app: On the SWTCH Mobile app, you are required to confirm the session by clicking on the "Start Charger" button after searching the charger ID.
   • Payment processing: The system might be verifying your payment method or account balance.
2. Communication Handshake (EVSE to EV): The charger (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment - EVSE) and your car are communicating to establish a safe and efficient connection. They are:
   • Verifying safety protocols: Ensuring correct voltage, current, and ground connections.
   • Negotiating power levels: The car's Battery Management System (BMS) is telling the charger how much power it can safely accept at that moment (e.g., "I can take 50 kW," or "My battery is cold, so only give me 30 kW for now").
   • Checking for faults: The system is running a quick diagnostic to ensure there are no errors or issues with either the charger or the vehicle.
3. Vehicle Not Yet Connected: In some rare cases, especially if you've authorized a charge remotely, the "Preparing" status might appear even if the vehicle isn't physically plugged in yet. The charger is "preparing" to receive a connection.
    

What to Do When You See "Preparing":

• Ensure Proper Connection: Double-check that the charging cable is fully and securely inserted into your vehicle's charging port. You should hear a click or feel it lock into place. A loose connection is a common cause of this status.
• Authorize the Charge: If you haven't already, complete the authorization step. This might involve:
  • Opening the SWTCH Mobile app and initiating the session by clicking on the "Start Charger" button after searching the charger ID.
  • Tapping your SWTCH Charge Card(RFID card).
  • Following any on-screen prompts on the charger itself.
• Wait Briefly: Sometimes, the "Preparing" phase can take a few seconds, or even up to a minute, especially with DC fast chargers as they perform more checks. Be patient and give it a moment.
• Check the SWTCH Mobile App for Details: The SWTCH Mobile App might provide more specific details or troubleshooting tips if the "Preparing" status persists. It might indicate a specific error or a reason for the delay.
• Try Re-plugging: If it stays in "Preparing" for an extended period (more than a minute or two) or if nothing seems to be happening after authorization, try unplugging the connector from your car and then plugging it back in firmly. This can often reset the communication.
• Try a Different Port/Charger (if available): If the issue persists, and the station has multiple ports or if there's another charger nearby, try a different one. This helps determine if the issue is with that specific port, the charger, or your vehicle.
• Contact Customer Support: If all else fails and the charger remains in "Preparing" status without initiating a charge, it's time to contact the SWTCH's customer support. Provide us with the charger ID and explain the status you're seeing. We will remotely diagnose or reset the charger.
   

While seeing "Preparing" can be a momentary pause before your charging session begins, understanding what it signifies empowers you to quickly troubleshoot and get your EV powered up.