What Do I Do If a Public Charger Is Broken or Already in Use?
It happens occasionally, and it’s more of an inconvenience than an emergency. A little preparation, mainly having a backup plan before you arrive rather than after, turns a broken or occupied charger from a stressful moment into a minor detour.
If the charger is occupied
1
Check the app for real-time availability before you arrive
Apps like PlugShare, or your specific network’s app, often show live status. Checking before you commit to a detour can save a wasted trip.
2
Check for multiple stalls at the same location
Many stations, especially newer ones, have several charging stalls. One being occupied doesn’t necessarily mean the whole location is unavailable.
3
Have a second location in mind
On a road trip especially, knowing your next-nearest option before you need it removes the pressure of figuring it out on the spot.
If the charger appears broken
1
Try restarting the session through the app
Sometimes a failed connection is a simple communication error between the charger and the app, easily fixed by ending and restarting the session.
2
Try a different cable or stall if the location has more than one
This isolates whether the problem is the specific stall or something with your vehicle or account.
3
Call the support number posted on the charger
Every major network has a 24/7 support line printed directly on the unit. They can often remotely reset a stuck charger.
4
Report it in the app afterward
Flagging a broken charger helps the network prioritize the repair and helps other drivers avoid the same dead end.
24/7Typical support line availability posted on most major Canadian charging networks
💡 Tip: Save your most-used networks’ support numbers in your phone before a road trip, particularly for remote stretches where you might not have a strong enough signal to look them up on the spot.
Reducing how often this happens to you
Cross-checking two sources, your vehicle’s navigation and a community app like PlugShare, before committing to a specific charger catches most problems before you arrive rather than after. PlugShare in particular shows recent driver check-ins and comments, often the fastest way to learn a station has been down for a few days before you waste time driving there.
⚠️ Note: If you’re relying on a single charger for a critical leg of a trip with no backup option nearby, build in extra buffer. It’s rare for a station to be completely unusable, but not impossible, and Canada’s charging network still thins out considerably outside major corridors.