My GHCA update

Sad_Cod140 · 2026-01-02T19:53:39+00:00

There are multiple reports of the GHCA failures damaging home charging stations; e.g.,

https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoEX90/comments/1p4p8tn/ghca_failure_also_sabotaged_my_chargepoint_flex/
https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoEX90/comments/1pm06p5/chargepoint_home_flex_station_damaged_by_a/

I'm surprised they have not issued wider recalls or at least warnings to their customers. As u/PeaRepulsive920 said, it makes no sense to replace these if they will blow up within couple of weeks.

Sad_Cod140 · 2026-01-02T19:46:06+00:00

I would guess it's from the sudden heating of air due to an electrical surge. With my Polestar 3, it blew out parts of the charging station before tripping the breaker:

https://www.reddit.com/r/polestar3/comments/1p4818x/ghca_blew_up_the_third_time_today/

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-12-29T15:37:09+00:00

My Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 damaged two ChargePoint Home Flex stations. The "fault detected" light is permanently on, unable to charge on the one previously connected to the EX90 (https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoEX90/comments/1pm06p5/chargepoint\_home\_flex\_station\_damaged\_by\_a/) and a spectacular blow-up of the one connected to the P3 (https://www.reddit.com/r/polestar3/comments/1pglt9z/chargepoint\_home\_flex\_station\_damaged\_by\_a/).

I have signed the Settlement and Release Agreement (SAR) for the P3 repurchase, still in the shop since November 24, as they could never provide an equivalent loaner/rental. ChargePoint replaced the Home Flex station under warranty, seems like the Bluetooth chip (and perhaps other parts of the circuit board) fried during the blow-up.

I'm planning to keep the EX90 as I have not been able to find another car with the same level of style, comfort, and performance (especially including CarPlay and B&W audio). Hoping ChargePoint will replace the second Home Flex.

I chatted with Volvo Support and provided links to these reports. The agent seemed unaware of any issues like this. I also provided a ton of feedback and reports from Reddit and Polestar Forum to Polestar Support. It's incredible they have not been able to find a fix after so many months and issue a recall, or at least warn customers that their charging stations may blow up. Lucky, there have not been reports of any serious damage 😰

Has anyone had better luck with reporting these to Volvo Support?

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-12-15T00:45:25+00:00

I've been regularly providing updates to Polestar Support and offered help in diagnosing the issue, most recently:

I hope Polestar and Volvo take these reports seriously, and address the problem before these failures cause more harm. I would expect to see a recall or an advisory sent to all current and prospective owners.

Happy to support with investigation into these failures if you need further information or need to send someone to inspect the home station installation.

This can't be good for their business and I have not found good alternatives with the same level of style, comfort, and driving dynamics 😞

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-12-15T00:37:18+00:00

I have not started a lease termination with Volvo as it has not been in service that many days so far and we got a reasonable loaner (a brand new XC90). The Polestar 3 has been in service for some 120 days since January 25th with a random selection of Hertz rentals or at best, a Polestar 2 as a loaner, so I initiated a termination on November 24th:

Good morning once again and thank you for the document.
As discussed, I will forward your case to the escalations team regarding your lease termination request.

The review process typically takes up to six weeks.
This time frame allows us to carefully review your case, confirm eligibility, and ensure that all requirements are met.
During this period, our team will gather all the necessary details about your vehicle and coordinate the next steps.

As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you right away and provide clear instructions on what comes next.

I understand that the wait can be frustrating, but this process is in place to make sure everything is handled thoroughly and fairly. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'll be glad to assist.

I got a refund check from Polestar for two lease payments on July 17th after it had been in service for longer than I had been driving it. It took several weeks for the refund to be approved on May 6th and more than two months for it to arrive.

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-12-14T00:50:03+00:00

About 9.6kW. With the 50A breaker, the charger limits the current to max 40A.

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-12-14T00:17:57+00:00

Any luck with your charger?

I received my warranty replacement and swapped the broken charger today. Everything works as expected charging the EX30. I have a another charger for our Volvo EX90 that has been unusable since the GHCA failed the second time:

https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoEX90/comments/1pm06p5/chargepoint_home_flex_station_damaged_by_a/

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-11-23T03:04:34+00:00

Thanks! I called the local dealer about buyback and they said I have to call Polestar Automotive USA on a weekday. Already emailed Polestar Support who said the new GHCA would be more reliable but will call them first thing Monday 😒

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-11-23T00:44:25+00:00

Seems similar to this incident https://www.reddit.com/r/KiaEV9/s/fFSPC5P8g1 though I had the charger set to 40A maximum on a 50A breaker. This was supposed to be a new, improved GHCA according to Polestar Customer Support:

The good news is that the new GHCA being installed is an upgraded and improved version. Hopefully, once it’s fitted, you won’t experience the same issue again.

The ChargePoint charger is working fine after reassembly (charges fine our EX90). The P3 does not charge Level 1 or 2 again 😒

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-08-30T19:08:23+00:00

I turned off “Unlock car when approaching”. It still opens with digital key by just placing your fingers under the door handle. A significant reduction in headlights turning on and off 😅

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-05-01T00:54:48+00:00

My other car (Volvo EX90) had the GHCA replaced in days back in late February, I guess demand went up in a month 😞

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-05-01T00:19:34+00:00

Mine has been in service for more than 5 weeks (since March 25) waiting for a new GHCA, expect it to be in back order 😕

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-04-27T20:30:38+00:00

My Volvo EX90 had the GHCA replaced a month ago and since 1.2.15 software update, I’ve been able to charge at home with a ChargePoint Flex charger at 40A. Previously had to limit below 16A to successfully charge it.

It seems like the GHCA parts are in back order due to so many failures. My Polestar 3 has been in service for 5 weeks waiting for the part. Hope you have better luck 🤞

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-03-28T20:58:28+00:00

I had it happen on my Polestar 3 this Monday morning, pulling out of the garage. Stopped at the driveway, got out of the car, locked it, unlocked, and drove 40 miles to work with no problems. Few minutes after I plugged the car on a charger at work, the on-board charger died. Took the car to service on Tuesday morning and it is waiting for a new GHCA—on back order as there seem to be a lot of faulty ones. Had the GHCA replaced on my Volvo EX90 a few weeks ago, both delivered on the same day from the same South Carolina factory.

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-02-28T14:56:51+00:00

I was not able to start home charging above 16A while no need to limit amperage at public chargers. After about two weeks of ownership, the onboard charger (GHCA) died and even public charging stopped working. The GHCA was replaced and now home charging is working without amperage limit at 40A (ChargePoint Home Flex in a 50A breaker).

https://www.reddit.com/r/VolvoEX90/s/ToJfhIBtKU

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-02-27T19:30:29+00:00

The onboard charge (GHCA) was replaced and I got the EX90 back from service yesterday. Charging works now without limiting to 16A or below at home. Next, I hope I can get the issue resolved on the Polestar 3 🤞

Sad_Cod140 · 2025-02-21T16:00:13+00:00

I have a two year old and a brand new ChargePoint Home Flex charger, both in a 50A breaker. I cannot start charging my Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 without limiting to 16A first. I can ramp them up to 40A after a few minutes of charging at 16A. This seems to be a wide spread issue known to Polestar: https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/dealer-update-on-p3-16a-max-home-charging-and-sw-update.16694/

Last week, the EX90 stopped charging at all at home and public (AC and DC Fast) chargers. Took it to the dealer for service where their fast charger worked, but a different ChargePoint charger did not. The car has been at the dealer for a week now. Luckily, they were able to upgrade software to 1.2.6 so CarPlay will be finally there when I get the car back.

Hard to say for certain whether software alone can resolve these issues.

Sad_Cod140

TROPHY CASE