2023 Polestar 2 Slow DC Fast Charging & 'Service Required' Message

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Melissa G. · rep 0 · May 22, 8:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor

Hey everyone,

I'm having a frustrating issue with my 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor. Lately, when I try to use DC fast chargers, the charging speed is significantly slower than usual, often maxing out around 50-70 kW even on 150 kW+ chargers. It used to hit much higher speeds without a problem.

To make things worse, after a few of these slow charging sessions, I've started getting a 'Service Required' message on the dashboard, specifically related to the charging system. It doesn't seem to affect normal AC home charging, but I rely on fast charging for longer trips.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Polestar 2? Is this a known software bug or potentially a hardware issue with the charging port or battery management system? Any advice on what to check or if there's a specific TSB for this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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This sounds like a common concern for EV owners, especially with newer models like your 2023 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor, where software and hardware interact closely in the charging process. The "Service Required" message, combined with reduced DC fast charging speeds, points to a potential issue within the high-voltage battery system or its management.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps:

  1. Software Glitch/Update:

    • Cause: Polestar vehicles, like many modern EVs, are heavily reliant on software. A bug in the Battery Management System (BMS) software could misinterpret battery conditions, leading to reduced charging speeds to protect the battery, or trigger a false "Service Required" alert.
    • Action: Ensure your vehicle's software is fully up to date. Polestar often releases over-the-air (OTA) updates that address charging performance and system stability. Check your infotainment system for available updates or visit a Polestar Space.
  2. Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) Issue:

    • Cause: The BTMS ensures the battery stays within an optimal temperature range for charging and discharge. If a component (e.g., coolant pump, sensor) in the BTMS is malfunctioning, the car might limit charging speed to prevent overheating or overcooling, triggering the service message.
    • Diagnostics: This would typically require specialized diagnostic tools at a service center.
  3. DC-DC Converter or Onboard Charger Malfunction:

    • Cause: While AC charging seems fine, DC fast charging uses different components (primarily bypassing the onboard AC charger and directly interacting with the DC-DC converter and battery). A fault in the DC-DC converter or related high-voltage contactors could limit power flow.
    • Diagnostics: A Polestar technician can run diagnostics to pinpoint issues with these high-voltage components.
  4. Charging Port or Cable Sensor Issue:

    • Cause: Less common, but a faulty sensor in the charging port or a communication issue with the charging station could lead to reduced speeds or errors.
    • Action: Try different DC fast chargers to rule out a specific station issue. Visually inspect your vehicle's charging port for any debris or damage.

When to See a Shop: Given the "Service Required" message, it's highly recommended to schedule an appointment with a Polestar service center as soon as possible. While the car might still drive and AC charge, the message indicates a system fault that could potentially worsen or affect battery longevity if not addressed. They have the proprietary diagnostic tools to read specific fault codes (which may not be standard OBD-II codes for high-voltage systems) and perform necessary software recalibrations or hardware repairs. Do not ignore persistent service messages, especially those related to the high-voltage system.