Every long-trip EV owner eventually finds a charger that is offline, occupied, or not the connector they expected. EV Grids is built around backups and chain checks — here is the playbook when Plan A fails.
Check the operator app (Statiq, Tata Power EZ Charge, ChargeZone, etc.) — sometimes the gun is fine but payment or RFID failed.
Look at your backup list on the trip page. Tap the next option on the map; EV Grids re-checks whether you can reach it from your current SOC.
If live status shows busy (0 free), do not wait more than 10–15 minutes on a single-gun site if a backup is within 5–10 km.
When you swap a charger, watch for reachability warnings — if a later leg breaks, tap Fix trip to apply the suggested reachable alternative.
Red reliability badge = treat as skip if any backup exists. Amber = verify on PlugShare or the operator app before you commit.
Download PDF or WhatsApp the itinerary before you leave — you will have stop names and Maps links even with patchy data (install EV Grids to home screen for offline access to your last saved trip).
Slow-charge at a hotel or mall Type 2 if you have time — better than towing.
Re-plan from your current city with a higher reserve SOC and Trip mode → Fewer stops only if you can charge to 90%+ safely.
Report the broken site via EV Grids feedback so other drivers see updated reliability signals.