Noob charging question...

I'm slightly confused by the mixed messages about charging whilst locked or unlocked. I'm wondering if newer cars have updated software allowing charging whilst unlocked? I'm due to get my MG5 soon and completely confused! So for example, if I nip to a public charger can I sit in the car whilst its charging?
 
I'm slightly confused by the mixed messages about charging whilst locked or unlocked. I'm wondering if newer cars have updated software allowing charging whilst unlocked? I'm due to get my MG5 soon and completely confused! So for example, if I nip to a public charger can I sit in the car whilst its charging?
Yes.
 
On AC, SWMBO's, Oct 2020, 70 reg, locks the cable in and starts charging while it's unlocked after a short pause, but starts charging immediately if I lock it.
My, July 2020, 20 reg, ZS only charges when locked on AC.
 
Thanks. But I was confused by this message in the manual?!
Screenshot 2021-06-30 at 08.17.37.png
 
The MG5 will charge unlocked, you just need to wait a little longer for it to kick in.

If you're charging and press unlock, it will suspend charging in my experience and release the charge cable.

If you want to check the charge percentage without unlocking you can just leave your key say on your roof at the back, I used to always leave it inside the house to check but as long as the key is a good meter away it fine.

Please correct me if that's wrong but that's my experience.
 
Thank you for the advice. I'm just thinking of scenarios such as a family stop at a rapid, sometimes they may wish to stay in the car.
 
Thank you for the advice. I'm just thinking of scenarios such as a family stop at a rapid, sometimes they may wish to stay in the car.
That was exactly my concern. Basically pull up at the charge station, dont lock the car, plug it in and charge, like I said I think it takes a minute or or so start charging if not locked.

I think when I did it I had to turn the car off, but when it's charging I think I could switch the car back on again so I could use the radio, fans etc. You can switch it on without putting your foot on the brake. So it sort of starts it so you can use the electrics but doesn't get it ready to drive.
 
Update:

So... Returned to dealers last Saturday... 4 (working) days later they're "still talking to MG..." Hmm.. Have a bit of a flat feeling right now (pardon the pun), but pretty disappointed. They've had it longer than me :confused: Wondering if I should tried a few others....
 
Page 145 gives the procedure for what it describes as "Residential Charging" and it does seem to contradict the above:

Residential Charging

Your vehicle will have been supplied with a residential
charging device. This device can be plugged into a standard
household 3 pin socket.
During the charging operation the vehicle power system
must be OFF. Carry out the following procedure to charge
the car using the charger supplied with the vehicle:
1 Ensure vehicle power system is OFF and all doors are
closed.
2 Open the charging port door, remove the waterproof
plug cover from the 7 pin charging plug connector.
Ensure the surroundings are clean, dry and free from
debris.
3 Connect the 7 pin charging plug to the socket on the
vehicle.
4 Connect the charging device 3 pin plug to the domestic
electricity supply. Lock the vehicle.
5 On completion of the charge unlock the vehicle,
disconnect the charging cable from the vehicle, and
then the domestic plug.
6 Ensure the charge socket is free from debris, fit the
waterproof plug cover. Close the charging point door.

Note: If at any time during the charging process you
should want to check the state of charge, please switch
the vehicle power system to the ON position. the high
voltage battery state of charge will be displayed in the
message centre in the instrument pack.
Note: If the vehicle is unlocked during the charging
process, charging will be suspended. Charging
will resume after 1 minute. If charging does not
automatically resume, it may be necessary to remove
and refit the charger cable.


I did my first charge following this procedure this morning and it worked fine. I didn't find the final note correct as unlocking the car didn't seem to suspend the charge and it wasn't necessary to switch the power system on in order to see charging information as it appeared automatically and on each subsequent occasion the door was opened.
I agree, unlocking the car doesn’t suspend the charging, the charge state and remaining time appears on the screen.
Makes sense as it’s the only way to check charging progress unless you just leave it till it’s full…..
 
The way I see it is that I should be able to plug the charger in (be it a granny, rapid etc), then do what I like with the car be it locked or unlocked.

So for example if I visit a rapid, plug in, lock the car and walk off to buy a coffee, then realise I've left my wallet in the car - I assume popping back and unlocking/locking again would mess the charge up? Guess the only way I'll know is to try these things when I get the car!

I understand the cable locking into the car when its locked, makes sense, but still a little confused by what I can/can't do when in a state of charge.
 
It does reinforce the point that it would be great if you could just check an App on your phone rather than have to interrogate the car directly.
 
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