On paper, the Lynk & Co 02 charges just fine with 150 kW DC and 22 kW AC, but in practice owners sometimes encounter compatibility issues, slow charging sessions and even emergency situations. Most charging complaints are not caused by a defective battery, but by differences in specification, charge point settings and incorrect expectations. Read on to find out where these problems come from and what you can do about them.
Why doesn’t the 02 charge at every charge point?
The Lynk & Co 02 is equipped with a 66 kWh NMC battery and supports DC fast charging up to 150 kW and AC charging up to 11 kW or 22 kW, depending on the market and version. This difference in AC charging power regularly causes confusion among owners who assume the highest value, but in reality have a car with a less powerful onboard AC charger.
Charging problems often arise due to a mismatch between what the car supports and what the charge point delivers. Not every public charge point communicates equally smoothly with every EV model. With the Lynk & Co 02 this mainly shows up at older AC charge points that only support limited communication protocols. The car then does not show an error, but simply does not start charging or scales back to a much lower speed than expected.
Software also plays a role. The Lynk & Co 02 receives over-the-air updates that can adjust charging behaviour. If your car is running an outdated software version, it may fail to recognise certain charge points or not work properly with them. Therefore, regularly check whether updates are available and preferably install them at a time when you do not need the car immediately.
Can the 02 charge on a standard charge point?
Yes, the Lynk & Co 02 can charge at most standard AC charge points, as long as the charge point complies with the European Type 2 standard. This is the common system for public and home chargers in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. The charging speed depends on the charging power your car supports and what the charge point can deliver.
If your car supports 11 kW AC and you charge at a 22 kW point, the car will not charge faster than those 11 kW. The reverse also applies: a 22 kW car on an 11 kW point will charge at a maximum of 11 kW. This is normal behaviour and not a fault. It only becomes a problem when the car does not start charging at all or stops prematurely.
Common causes of this type of problem are:
- A loose or dirty charging cable that does not make proper contact with the car or charge point
- A charge point stuck in an error mode or not properly reset after a previous session
- An automatic pause by the car due to temperature protection, especially in very warm or cold weather
- A setting in the car that delays charging to a cheaper time slot or lower power
First check whether the cable clicks firmly into place and, if necessary, try a different public charge point. If the problem persists, consult your car’s manual or contact Lynk & Co customer service.
What should I do if the 02 won’t charge?
If your car refuses to charge altogether, start with a few simple checks before calling a mechanic. Remove the charging cable from the car and inspect the charging port for dirt, moisture or damage. Firmly plug the cable back into the car and check whether it locks in completely. The car will usually give a signal or light when the connection is successful.
If there is a connection but charging does not start, reset the charging session by fully locking the car, waiting a minute and trying again. With some models, it also helps to end the charging session via the app and then start it again. In the car settings, check whether charging has not been delayed or limited to a lower power.
If the car still refuses to charge, try a different charge point or charging cable. If it works there, the problem lies with the original charge point or cable. If it does not work anywhere, there may be a fault in the charging port, the charging controller or the car’s software. In that case, a visit to the dealer is necessary.
Why does the 02 charge slowly at a fast charger?
The Lynk & Co 02 can, under ideal conditions, charge at up to 150 kW via DC fast chargers. That means a charging time from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. In practice, many owners do not always achieve this speed, and there are several reasons for this.
Firstly, the car itself limits the charging power as the battery gets fuller. Above 80%, the charging speed drops significantly, often to 50 kW or less. This is normal battery management to protect its lifespan. Charging to 100% at a fast charger therefore takes much longer than the first 80%.
Secondly, the temperature of the battery plays a major role. If the battery is cold, the car reduces the charging power to prevent damage. If you have just completed a long journey and the battery is warm, the car can charge faster. Some electric cars have a function to pre-heat or cool the battery in preparation for a charging session. Not every model offers this as standard.
Finally, the fast charger itself can also be limiting. Not every unit delivers the power stated on it, especially when several cars are charging at the same time and the available capacity is distributed. Check the actual charging power during your session in the charge point’s app or on the display.
‘ This is an emergency situation that occurs more often than owners think, especially when the car has been standing still for a long time or after a winter period with little use. ’
How do I unlock the 02 without power?
A flat 12V battery or a completely empty high-voltage battery can prevent you from unlocking the Lynk & Co 02 with the key or app. This is an emergency situation that occurs more often than owners think, especially when the car has been standing still for a long time or after a winter period with little use.
Most electric cars have an emergency unlocking system. On the Lynk & Co 02 you can often use a hidden mechanical key. In addition, the car provides access to the 12V battery via an external connection point. Consult your car’s manual to find out where this is located, as the location varies by model and version.
In many cases you can charge the 12V battery from outside via an external contact point, often hidden behind a logo or panel at the front. With an external battery or jump leads you can provide enough voltage to activate the central locking system and open the doors. Once inside, you can charge the car as normal or have it checked.
Prevent this problem by charging the car at least once every two weeks, even if you are not using it. The 12V battery is topped up from the high-voltage battery, but only when the car is regularly active. If you are not going to use the car for an extended period, consider a trickle charger on the 12V battery or setting up an automatic charging session via the app.
Practical tips for 02 owners
To minimise charging problems, it helps to adopt a few practical habits. First check whether your car actually supports 11 kW or 22 kW AC, so you know what to expect at a public charge point. Verify this in the specifications of your version or via the dealer information.
Preferably plan DC charging sessions between 10% and 80% battery level, as this is where you benefit most from the high charging power. Charging to 100% at a fast charger takes disproportionately more time and is usually unnecessary for daily use. Save full charging sessions for long journeys where you really need the full range.
Test your home charger or regular public charge point in a calm situation before relying on it on a rushed work day. This way you will discover any compatibility issues before they become a nuisance. Wherever possible, use a high-quality charging cable and regularly check it for wear, especially at the contact points.
Keep your car’s software up to date via the over-the-air updates provided by Lynk & Co. These updates can improve charging behaviour, fix bugs and increase compatibility with charging infrastructure. Ideally install updates overnight or at a time when you do not need the car, as some updates require systems to restart.
Want to know more about the 02?
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about the Lynk & Co 02 and other electric models. From technical specifications and user experiences to practical tips on maintenance and charging infrastructure. Discover more articles, comparisons and handy facts to help you get the most out of your electric driving experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common “charging problems” with the Lynk & Co 02 and how can you recognise them?
The most common “charging problems” with the Lynk & Co 02 are not so much about defective hardware, but about a difference between expected and actual charging speed, mainly because some versions support 11 kW AC and others 22 kW AC. You will notice this when the car consistently charges more slowly than you had assumed based on brochure or online information, especially at public AC points. When DC fast charging, it is sometimes noticeable that the car does not reach (or maintain) the full 150 kW, and that the power clearly tapers off once the battery passes roughly 50–60%. Users often experience this as a “problem”, but in fact it is standard EV behaviour. There are also complaints that can be traced back to charge point compatibility or settings (session does not start, stops), while other EVs at the same unit do sometimes charge normally.
Are there specific causes of “charging problems” with the Lynk & Co 02, such as software errors or hardware defects?
In the available sources, no concrete, structural charging problems with the Lynk & Co 02 are mentioned that can clearly be traced back to specific software errors or hardware defects. Possible issues mainly seem to lie with the charging infrastructure, charge point settings and incorrect expectations regarding AC/DC charging speed. It is emphasised, however, that charging behaviour can be further optimised via OTA software updates. Structural factory faults or recalls relating to the charging system are not explicitly described.
What steps can I take myself to resolve “charging problems” with my Lynk & Co 02 before going to the garage?
Check whether your charging cable and plug are clean, undamaged and correctly locked in place, and if possible try another cable. Try a different charge point (preferably from another provider) and see whether the problem also occurs there. Restart or lock/unlock the car, check in the infotainment system whether charging limits or schedules are set and temporarily disable them. Finally, check whether software updates are available and install them, as charging behaviour is sometimes improved via OTA updates.
Is repair of “charging problems” covered by Lynk & Co’s warranty, and what are people’s experiences with this?
Repair of real charging problems (for example if the car does not charge or clearly charges incorrectly) is in principle covered by Lynk & Co’s factory warranty, as long as there is no misuse or external damage. In the experiences available, no large-scale or structural charging defects are reported that are excluded from warranty. Most “charging problems” in practice turn out to be due to the charging infrastructure, expectations regarding charging speed (11 vs 22 kW AC, 150 kW DC) or conditions, rather than to a defect in the car itself. As a result, there are still few concrete stories about complex warranty claims specifically relating to charging faults.
Does the type of charge point or charging cable affect the “charging problems” of the Lynk & Co 02?
Yes, the type of charge point and charging cable can certainly influence perceived charging problems with the Lynk & Co 02. For example, a unit that only delivers 11 kW, or a cable limited to that power, will mean you never reach the 22 kW AC speed of some versions. Differences between AC and DC charge points, charge point settings and the quality/compatibility of the cable can also lead to slow charging or error messages. In practice, many “charging problems” therefore turn out to be caused by the infrastructure and cable rather than the car itself.
Are there preventive measures I can take to avoid “charging problems” with my Lynk & Co 02?
Yes, you can help prevent charging problems by first checking whether your specific Lynk & Co 02 version supports 11 kW or 22 kW AC charging and aligning your expectations accordingly. Use fast charging (DC) mainly between roughly 10% and 80% battery charge, because that is where the charging power is highest and most stable. Test different (home and public) charge points in calm conditions so you quickly see whether there are compatibility or settings issues. Also keep the car’s software up to date, as charging behaviour and reliability can be improved via OTA updates.
