f your new EV cable isn't working, check for simple connection errors, verify the unit is unlocked, and test for hardware faults. Unplug both ends, ensure the pins are clean, securely reconnect (pushing firmly until you hear a click), and unlock your car so it registers the connection. 
Follow this checklist to quickly pinpoint and resolve the problem:
1. Check the Connections & Car Settings
  • Re-plug both ends: Unplug the cable from both the charging station and the vehicle. Inspect the pins for debris or damage, then plug them back in firmly. 
  • Unlock and lock: Many EVs require you to unlock the car to initiate or terminate a charging handshake. Try locking/unlocking your car via the key fob a few times to get the port to lock the cable in place. 
  • Override schedules: Check your car's dashboard or companion app (e.g., Tesla, FordPass, or your home wallbox app) to ensure there isn’t an active charge timer or limit overriding your current session. 
2. Inspect the Cable & Hardware
  • Examine for damage: Check the entire length of the new cable for kinks, cuts, or crushed sections. Even a brand-new cable can suffer from internal shipping damage. 
  • Avoid extensions: Never use a standard domestic extension lead for an EV, as this will prevent charging and pose a major fire hazard. If your cable is too short, use a compatible public or manufacturer-approved extension. (This is for the granny charger extension only)
  • Verify compatibility: Double-check that your new cable's connection type (e.g., Type 2 or CCS) matches your vehicle’s inlet and the charging station's output. 
3. Restart the Charging Source
  • Home chargers: If using a home wallbox, perform a hard reset. Turn off the dedicated circuit breaker in your home's electrical panel, wait 1–2 minutes, and turn it back on. 
  • Public chargers: If at a public station, try a different RFID card, use the associated provider's app to authorize the charge, or try a different plug on the same unit.