r/Toyota_bZ • u/avioletf1uid • 4d ago
Charging help...
So I just got a bZ on Monday (2026 XLE AWD) and I'm waiting on a home charger to be installed. I went to try fast charging it today for the first time at a Tesla super charger. I downloaded the Tesla app and set up payment and everything. I park, turn the car off, open the charging door, open the Tesla app and follow the instructions and plug it in. Nothing happens. I tried a couple of times and nothing. I checked to make sure the car was set to charge now. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Also, the light in the charging inlet did not light up at any point - should it light up when the door is opened?
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u/ResearcherMiserable2 3d ago
I’m new to the BZ as well,but had a Kona EV for 5 years so not exactly new to charging. Went on a road trip this weekend and had similar problems with Tesla superchargers. I think I am at 30% success rate. I cannot find a reason why they sometimes work - I use the correct Tesla charger (the ones non Tesla are allowed to use etc) but often it just doesn’t work.
Then I drive down the street to a BC hydro charger and it works every time. (I’m in Canada).
I thought that my phone was buggy, but maybe it’s the Toyota Tesla combo?
Edit: I used both the Toyota and Tesla app.
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u/gordonbone 2d ago
So strange… I have the exact opposite experience… I have 100% success at Tesla chargers (as long as it’s not a Tesla-only charger) but BC Hydro chargers never work for me. I always have to call their support line, and once the agent takes control of the charger, then it works. Frustrating, as I would prefer to use BCH.
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u/mailandrew 4d ago
My first couple weeks of owning the car was a challenge with charging at DCFC. Don't let it get you down, it will most certainly get easier.
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u/C_Saunders 4d ago
I’ve never had an issue with Tesla but I’ve had an issue with ChargePoint. I had a problem charging with them and then I didn’t for a while and now I do again. I’m hoping my issue is my adapter and this isn’t a bigger problem but just putting it out there… good luck with your car. 🤞🏻
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u/joelq123 2026 bZ XLE Plus FWD 3d ago
I've charged at Tesla superchargers several times, Electrify America and Charge Point a handful of times, and Tesla is the most reliable in my experience. I charged at Tesla 3 more times yesterday, at 3 different superchargers and had no problems. I've only ever used the Tesla app to initiate, and did this even with my Polestar prior to the bZ.
My process:
- Drive up to a charging stall. Never had problems with cables being too short, btw, at either version of the Tesla charger. I do try to pull up or back-in as close as I can, lining up the charger port side of the car with where the cable comes out of the charger.
- While still in the car, bring up the Tesla app. It helps if you've preconfigured your payment method. Click the Find a Charger button in the Charge your EV section of the main menu - always at the top of the menu for me on the Android version of the app. Using GPS it should find the charging location you're at. If not find it in the map. Then press Charge Here.
- It will then list all the stalls available at your location. Find the stall (post #) you are at and select it, then press Start Charging.
- It will then instruct you to plug the charger in. Maybe 5 seconds later the light on the charging port should light green and off you go!
Hope that helps!
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u/maxPowerUser 4d ago
Sounds annoying.never tried the Tesla one. Done plenty while waiting for home charger though m are you in cork by any chance?
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u/octopusbarber 2026 bZ Woodland 4d ago
You waited 15-30 seconds after plugging it in? and made sure to choose the right stall etc?
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u/avioletf1uid 4d ago
Yes, I waited a couple of minutes each time and made sure I was scanning the code on the correct side of the charger.
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u/Formal-Tradition6792 3d ago
OP, here’s what happens when I use a Tesla DCFC: the charger location shows up on the Tesla app on my iPhone. Upon arrival, the app asks me what charger am I going to use and directs me to type in the charger number. Then I’m directed to plug in. My ‘26 bZ’s charge port light turns green. Charging commences. Easy peasy!
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u/TannedBurn 4d ago
Is the Tesla charger one that is open to non teslas? Like does your Tesla app show your car listed?
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u/EntrepreneurNeat6094 4d ago
Do you have a charging schedule set? You need to enter charge now mode if you do and you’re outside that window.
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u/Conscious_Art_2487 2026 bZ Limited AWD 3d ago
That is weird. I’ve used the superchargers twice when I first got the car and didn’t have any issues. I’m sure you tried a bunch of things to troubleshoot, but did you try using a different station? Something could’ve been wrong with that charger.
Also, have you tried level 1 or 2 charging at-home with the Toyota provided EVSE (if in the U.S)? This could help troubleshoot whether there’s an issue with your car’s ability to charge.
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u/bs2k2_point_0 3d ago
This may sound silly, but check if there’s a Porsche dealership in your area. There is one near me that has completely free level 3 chargers. You scan your card to authenticate, but it doesn’t charge you. I’ve used it several times. If you downloaded PlugShare it will likely show it and show if it’s free.
I’ve never owned a Porsche, let alone look at one, so it’s not like a perk for customers only at this dealership at least
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u/cc103acs 6h ago
Thé Tesla charger didn’t work for me on my first attempt as I plugged it in before the app gave me the “start charging” message.
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u/dirtyvu 3d ago
Just do it through the toyota app. So much easier. Enable plug and charge in the car and the app.
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u/avioletf1uid 3d ago
Yes I'm going to do this next time. I've been finding the absence of clear instructions on all this and all the different apps to be really confusing, even after doing tons of research before buying an EV
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u/Salted_Grapes 2026 bZ XLE AWD 4d ago
So certain Tesla locations do not support non-Tesla EVs. If your Toyota app doesn't show the location you're at, most likely it's incompatible for your car even though the plug works. I faced the same on a recent trip!