Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle got stuck after connecting to an EA charger, leaving the owner with a hefty repair bill of $2,400, as both companies are pointing fingers at each other.

Headline: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Users Report Damage to Charging Ports at Electrify America Stations

In a series of recent incidents, owners of the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 have reported damage to their vehicles' charging ports while using Electrify America charging stations. One user shared their experience, stating that charging stopped after 30 seconds, and the charger could not be unplugged. An Electrify America technician was unable to remove the charger, and it had to be cut to free the car.

The damage to the charging port is not covered under warranty, and the user is required to pay approximately $2400 for the repairs. The user's insurance that covers damage to the charging cable of an Ioniq 5 at an Electrify America charging station would typically be their own vehicle insurance or a specific insurance policy for electric vehicle accessories. Electrify America itself is generally not responsible for such damage.

Some users have voiced concern over the tight tolerances between Hyundai's charging port and third-party CCS connectors. This tight fit, combined with aging infrastructure or peak charging conditions, could potentially cause contact resistance and issues when mating the connectors.

Problems can trace back to faulty components in power cabinets that limit charging output, reducing available speed. Some drivers have reported chargers failing to initiate or stopping mid-session, often requiring replugging or moving to another stall.

In response to these issues, Electrify America is investing $172 million to upgrade about 600 charging stalls in California and piloting features like ending charging at 85% to improve station availability. However, reliability data and community feedback show numerous instances of broken screens, payment-system malfunctions, and connectors that don't activate for weeks at some locations.

One user suggested that the pins on the Electrify America plug may be dirty/damaged and then melt when they make contact with a car's charging port. Some drivers are now doing pre-checks before charging, inspecting connectors for heat discoloration or damage to avoid potential issues.

When it comes to home charging, using a Level 2 (240 V) charger, expect slower speeds: approximately 5 hours 40 minutes for the standard battery or 7 hours 20 minutes for the larger pack to go from 10-80%. In real-world testing, the 2025 model charged from about 9-80% in 20 minutes, with peak power exceeding 260 kW and a strong charging curve. Using Tesla Superchargers, the Ioniq 5 typically hits 10-80% in about 22 minutes, slightly quicker than at Electrify America stations.

As the electric vehicle industry continues to grow, it's essential for charging infrastructure to keep pace and ensure reliability and safety for all users. The user seeking advice and shared experiences on how to handle this issue constructively, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure robustness and open communication between manufacturers and charging station providers.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle got stuck after connecting to an EA charger, leaving the owner with a hefty repair bill of $2,400, as both companies are pointing fingers at each other.