Charging but sitting in the car still

[bbe469]

Can anyone help me please as I have had enough of getting cold and wet.
I know that to charge the ev it has to be locked. Is there anyway of locking it so it charges but still being able to sit in it. I have disabilities and the cold and damp make them worse.
Would be really grateful for advice on this.

 

[pjmuk]

Depending on the updates your car has had, it may only charge when locked on a granny or fast charger, but on a rapid charger e.g. 50kw, it should charge whether locked or unlocked. I gues you could lock yourself in the car on a fast 7kw charger in the dry?

 

[WalkingBootWeather]

All ZS EVs can charge on rapid chargers locked or unlocked. Early cars needed to be locked on AC chargers, but a fix for this was rolled out for this about a year ago. If you haven't got this fix (which is not part of the comfort update but was rolled out at the same time for many owners) then it is worth having a chat with your dealer.

Prior to the fix it was still possible to sit in the car and lock it to allow AC charging.

 

[bbe469]

Mine has to be locked. If not it says connected but not charging. Its been updated recently. Its only 4 months old and it had 11 malfunction issues so had to go in to be sorted. No matter what charger I use it says the same if not locked. The dealer also told me that it had to be locked to charge ☹

 

[bbe469]

I've just been looking through the manual. Would it charge if I used the interior lock switch? I know if I get out the car but leave the keys in there it makes a noise. I know that the doors lock by that when it goes over a certain speed. If I locked it by that while in the car would it allow me to charge and stay in it. I probably sound stupid but I really can't cope with the pain by standing outside for an hour while it charges

 

[n0de]

Mine has to be locked. If not it says connected but not charging. Its been updated recently. Its only 4 months old and it had 11 malfunction issues so had to go in to be sorted. No matter what charger I use it says the same if not locked. The dealer also told me that it had to be locked to charge ☹

...you need a new dealer - this update was mandatory almost a year ago and came as a service bulletin from MG. (Comfort Pack 2 upgrade)

The update will allow you to charge with the car locked or unlocked.

Sounds like you need to walk in there and demand a few things and get their act together

 

[n0de]

All ZS EVs can charge on rapid chargers locked or unlocked. Early cars needed to be locked on AC chargers, but a fix for this was rolled out for this about a year ago. If you haven't got this fix (which is not part of the comfort update but was rolled out at the same time for many owners) then it is worth having a chat with your dealer.

Prior to the fix it was still possible to sit in the car and lock it to allow AC charging.

...this was part of the CP2 update. (the locking/unlocking while charging) - amongst other 'fixes' in the same update.

 

[bbe469]

Tbh the fact that it had that many issues when it was so new raised alarm bells to me anyway. Think it's a question of getting rid and getting a new car. Do you think if I lock it using the controls on the door that it will charge?

 

[n0de]

Tbh the fact that it had that many issues when it was so new raised alarm bells to me anyway. Think it's a question of getting rid and getting a new car. Do you think if I lock it using the controls on the door that it will charge?

...if you have the update - it'll charge no matter what, the fact the dealer told you 'it needs to be locked' is completely untrue and they need to fix it.

In the meantime, you may not be able to lock the car from the inside as it'll think you've left the key fob inside and just toot at you to remind you to take them with you.

 

[Red White Blue]

I've just been looking through the manual. Would it charge if I used the interior lock switch? I know if I get out the car but leave the keys in there it makes a noise. I know that the doors lock by that when it goes over a certain speed. If I locked it by that while in the car would it allow me to charge and stay in it. I probably sound stupid but I really can't cope with the pain by standing outside for an hour while it charges

Comfort Pack 2, BMS, EVCC updates need to be added in order for the car to charge unlocked.
Pester your dealer to install all this software for you.

 

[Lovemyev]

Tbh the fact that it had that many issues when it was so new raised alarm bells to me anyway. Think it's a question of getting rid and getting a new car. Do you think if I lock it using the controls on the door that it will charge?

It is clear that you do not have the facility to charge your car via A/C charging ( wall box /public post or Granny ) with the doors unlocked.
There is a update that WILL permit this facility, but it was not a full feature of the Comfort 2 update.
To answer your direct question, in the current state of the software in your car, if you are sitting in the car with it already plugged into a A/C charger, when sat in the drivers seat, locked the doors from the switch on the drivers door panel.
As soon as you do this, the car should commence charging.
But remember, as soon as you unlock the car, or exit the car, the charging will stop !.

Charging unlocked/locked update for ZSEV​

The ZSEV has always supported unlocked charging on CCS (rapid chargers) and in 2020 a software update was released to add this function to charging on type 2 (6.6 kWh fast chargers). You are less likely to want to sit in your car for this slower charging, although it can still be occasionally useful. This is a side update to the BMS update: specifically to the EVCC module of the car. Once this is installed, the car will charge both locked or unlocked.

To stop the charge after the update, lock the car, then simply unlock with the key fob whilst at the front of the car. You will hear the car unlock the charge lead locking pin will disengage, and you can then remove the lead. If you do not unplug the lead, it will re-engage the lock and resume charging about 15 seconds later.


Please take note of bullet point 8 below !....

Comfort 2 update - info from MG website​

( NB - if you purchased your car after mid June 2020, the car should have had the Comfort 2 update installed and therefore bongs etc dealt with. If you are being asked to pay for this update in 2021 as a new purchaser, you should definitely query this.)

During the lifespan of a vehicle model, various changes can be made to interior trim, exterior cosmetics or system functions to ensure that it features cutting edge technology and remains attractive to potential buyers. MG ZS EV models manufactured after mid-June 2020, will have a newly developed 2nd generation of Comfort System Operation installed on the car. This is now available for customers who wish to benefit from these later updates on earlier build models.
Whilst all the below features involve software changes to key components on your vehicle, the updated software is not available to cars with 1st Generation software as a ‘warranty upgrade’. MG’s warranty is there to cover the cost of repair or replacement of a failed part due to a manufacturing defect, and not for updates/upgrades, and will therefore be chargeable. Please speak to your MG dealer to find out associated charges for this update.
This new 2nd generation of Comfort System Operation includes changes to:

• Faster system self-check when powering ‘ON’
• Infotainment volume maintains and restarts at previous volume setting after powering ON/OFF
• Auto High Beam system disable option available in menu settings
• General warning chime quality improvements and reduced volume
• Warning chimes reduced for MG Pilot and Key Reminder
• Vehicle temperature and temperature alarm featured in the instrument display
• Vehicle range always on display in instrument pack
• Vehicle can be unlocked during A/C charging, when re-locked charging automatically resumes.

 

[WalkingBootWeather]

...this was part of the CP2 update. (the locking/unlocking while charging) - amongst other 'fixes' in the same update.

Sorry but I don't think it was strictly part of the CP2 upgrade and there are some people that had charging while locked but no comfort upgrade and others that had comfort 2 but still needed to lock. A good dealer would apply both upgrades at the same time though and any car sold in the past year should have both.

I would agree though that it would be worth the OP speaking to a different dealer.

 

[bbe469]

...if you have the update - it'll charge no matter what, the fact the dealer told you 'it needs to be locked' is completely untrue and they need to fix it.

In the meantime, you may not be able to lock the car from the inside as it'll think you've left the key fob inside and just toot at you to remind you to take them with you.

OK thank you I appreciate your help. I've never had a car with so many issues from brand new. I got it and from day one it had a rear driver assist error message. It was looked at but they couldn't find the problem and put it down to being a new car.
Is ridiculous. The car is a nice car but after 11 malfunction issues, being taken in to be updated to sort things, clearly not updated everything as you say I should be able to charge while unlocked, I have no faith in it. Being a disabled customer I need to know everything is OK. Think I'll persevere as I am for now as can't be without it for weeks again yes I get a courtesy car but petrol not electric and the mileage I do I can't afford it.
Think I'll look for a different car

 

[bbe469]

Sorry but I don't think it was strictly part of the CP2 upgrade and there are some people that had charging while locked but no comfort upgrade and others that had comfort 2 but still needed to lock. A good dealer would apply both upgrades at the same time though and any car sold in the past year should have both.

I would agree though that it would be worth the OP speaking to a different dealer.

Mine was a brand new car with 20miles on it in June. I distinctly engender being told you had to lock it to charge it.

 

[bbe469]

It is clear that you do not have the facility to charge your car via A/C charging ( wall box /public post or Granny ) with the doors unlocked.
There is a update that WILL permit this facility, but it was not a full feature of the Comfort 2 update.
To answer your direct question, in the current state of the software in your car, if you are sitting in the car with it already plugged into a A/C charger, when sat in the drivers seat, locked the doors from the switch on the drivers door panel.
As soon as you do this, the car should commence charging.
But remember, as soon as you unlock the car, or exit the car, the charging will stop !.

Charging unlocked/locked update for ZSEV​

The ZSEV has always supported unlocked charging on CCS (rapid chargers) and in 2020 a software update was released to add this function to charging on type 2 (6.6 kWh fast chargers). You are less likely to want to sit in your car for this slower charging, although it can still be occasionally useful. This is a side update to the BMS update: specifically to the EVCC module of the car. Once this is installed, the car will charge both locked or unlocked.

To stop the charge after the update, lock the car, then simply unlock with the key fob whilst at the front of the car. You will hear the car unlock the charge lead locking pin will disengage, and you can then remove the lead. If you do not unplug the lead, it will re-engage the lock and resume charging about 15 seconds later.


Please take note of bullet point 8 below !....

Comfort 2 update - info from MG website​

( NB - if you purchased your car after mid June 2020, the car should have had the Comfort 2 update installed and therefore bongs etc dealt with. If you are being asked to pay for this update in 2021 as a new purchaser, you should definitely query this.)

During the lifespan of a vehicle model, various changes can be made to interior trim, exterior cosmetics or system functions to ensure that it features cutting edge technology and remains attractive to potential buyers. MG ZS EV models manufactured after mid-June 2020, will have a newly developed 2nd generation of Comfort System Operation installed on the car. This is now available for customers who wish to benefit from these later updates on earlier build models.
Whilst all the below features involve software changes to key components on your vehicle, the updated software is not available to cars with 1st Generation software as a ‘warranty upgrade’. MG’s warranty is there to cover the cost of repair or replacement of a failed part due to a manufacturing defect, and not for updates/upgrades, and will therefore be chargeable. Please speak to your MG dealer to find out associated charges for this update.
This new 2nd generation of Comfort System Operation includes changes to:

• Faster system self-check when powering ‘ON’
• Infotainment volume maintains and restarts at previous volume setting after powering ON/OFF
• Auto High Beam system disable option available in menu settings
• General warning chime quality improvements and reduced volume
• Warning chimes reduced for MG Pilot and Key Reminder
• Vehicle temperature and temperature alarm featured in the instrument display
• Vehicle range always on display in instrument pack
• Vehicle can be unlocked during A/C charging, when re-locked charging automatically resumes.

Even if I use a fast charger I have to lock it off it won't charge. I charge on a slow charger at home and work so locking is not a problem then. If I use a fast charger I'm hanging around for around an hour as it will not charge without being locked.
I have work tomorrow so might try locking the doors while in it to see. Then I'll just lock it and leave it to charge. I just have to go to Chichester this weekend then to Cambridge so need to try work it out of I will have a lot of hanging around in the cold ☹

 

[mystreet]

As @Lovemyev stated, you need the EVCC update, which is totally separate from the BMS update. But be careful how it is applied, the dealer who did mine screwed up the CF2. This allows you to charge unlocked.

The CF2 will allow you to unlock the car whilst charging which stops the charge, then restart charging when you lock it.

 

[Lovemyev]

OK thank you I appreciate your help. I've never had a car with so many issues from brand new. I got it and from day one it had a rear driver assist error message. It was looked at but they couldn't find the problem and put it down to being a new car.
Is ridiculous. The car is a nice car but after 11 malfunction issues, being taken in to be updated to sort things, clearly not updated everything as you say I should be able to charge while unlocked, I have no faith in it. Being a disabled customer I need to know everything is OK. Think I'll persevere as I am for now as can't be without it for weeks again yes I get a courtesy car but petrol not electric and the mileage I do I can't afford it.
Think I'll look for a different car

I do feel really sorry for you !.
You are suffering from a bad dealer, not really a bad car !.
When the Comfort 2 update is done, there is a sub part of the update that is required to permit charging while plugged into a A/C supply.
Its a simple tick box exercise that gets missed by some dealers, specifically to the EVCC module of the car. Once this is installed, the car will charge both locked or unlocked.
My car was first registered in Jan 2020 less the Comfort 2 update.
It had the Comfort 2 update in about Oct of the same year.
Just to be clear, it would NOT charge via A/C with the doors unlocked, before or after the Comfort 2 update.
However, I could get it to accept a charge if I was sat in the drivers seat and locked myself inside of the car, with it plugged in before hand.
In Jan 2021 the car went in for service and the dealer applied the latest BMS update and then under instruction from the MG Tech Team, they installed every available update that MG had instructed them to do so.
The following week, I noticed that as soon as I plugged in my wall box, the car commenced charging straight away, strange as the drivers door was completely ajar !.
Your dealer is the problem and not the car !.
There IS a software update that WILL allow you to charge your car with it still unlocked.
You are not asking for anymore than other owners already have !.
I strongly recommend that you speak to MG Customer Services and tell them of your disability issues and ask for advice on how you can get your car corrected.
Otherwise you will have no other option but to regretfully sell the car.
The car SHOULD charge with the car unlocked when using a D/C rapid charger even on the original software.
The problem with charging with the doors unlocked was a A/C problem only.
Try this at home.
Unlock the car and roll down the drivers door window.
Now go and plug the car into your wall box / Granny Lead.
Reach inside of the open drivers window and press the lock button on the drivers door card.
If the car start to accept a charge, it should do the very same thing when you are sitting in the drivers seat !.

 

[Kithmo]

...this was part of the CP2 update. (the locking/unlocking while charging) - amongst other 'fixes' in the same update.

The CP2 update cane out before the (separate) charge while unlocked update and some cars with CP2 (mine) don't charge unlocked.
As said above CP2 cars can be unlocked whilst charging, but will stop charging and will resume charging if re-locked.
FWIW, you can lock the car, sat inside with the key, by using the inside door lock button.

 

[JodyS21]

I think you're going about this the wrong way, your car clearly has issues and isn't working correctly.
I would suggest you take it back to the dealer and give them 1 chance to fix it or, demand your money back or a new car.

 

[Slipstream]

Quite agree with jody s21 so much confusing advice and conflicting advice. Take it back to the dealer and demand they sort it.