Does one red and one green light on an electric vehicle charger indicate charging?
2 Answers
No, it indicates the charger is damaged. The user should replace the electric vehicle charger. Reasons for charger malfunction: If the red and green lights are off, flashing, or both lit simultaneously, it indicates an abnormality and confirms the charger is damaged. If only the green light remains steadily lit, it means the charger's internal power supply is normal, and the next step of inspection should proceed. If the green light is off, it indicates an abnormality and confirms the charger is damaged. If only the green light remains steadily lit, it means the charger's internal power supply is normal, and the next step of inspection should proceed. Precautions for electric vehicle charging: Over time, the red light on an electric vehicle will gradually brighten. Typically, it takes 4-8 hours to fully charge the battery, at which point the red light reaches its maximum brightness. Under constant voltage float charging (indicated by the red light), prolonged charging will not damage the battery.
When I used to charge my electric car at home, I also got confused seeing one red and one green light, thinking it was charging. In fact, the meanings of the lights can vary between different chargers. A green light usually indicates normal charging, while a red light often signals a warning or fault. If both lights are on simultaneously—for example, a flashing green light with a steady red light—it might mean the charger is preparing to charge or there’s a minor issue, such as a loose charging cable or the battery temperature being out of range. I’ve encountered this state before, where the car wouldn’t charge fully, and later found out it was due to oxidized connectors causing poor contact. I recommend checking immediately if the charging plug is securely connected to the car’s port, or trying a different socket. If the issue persists, get the battery health checked or visit a professional shop for diagnostics to avoid damaging the circuit system. Make it a habit to check the owner’s manual first, as differences between brands and models can be significant—this habit has saved me a lot of trouble and helps extend the equipment’s lifespan.
