Tesla Charging Update, ZS EV, Free or Not Any Official Guide?

[EssexJim]

With all due respect to Les, who is very helpful
There's not a copy of a letter from MG, it's a transcript of an email from an individual at an MG dealership
Both Les and Miles are top guys, who I trust what they say, but do you really think that a typed note on a forum about an MG5, would have any leverage on another dealer regarding a ZS? I have yet to see a service bulletin, with a reference number that can be quoted

When my ZS was recently serviced, I requested 3 times in advance that the "warranty update, that corrects charging issues, eg Tesla, was applied"
They didn't question this, they said that they've applied all relevant updates during the service, but were too inept to be able to say exactly which updates! Certainly something was done, as some of my settings were back to default. I've yet to try a Tesla supercharger (either before or after the service)

It will be interesting to see how you get on when you plug it into a Tesla Charger. I would have Plan B ready expecting is not to work.

I have heard much talk about a service bulletin that states the update should be free of charge. Not seen a copy or know if it applies to MG5 only.

I believe this is not a 'Warranty' update. Very happy to be proved wrong.

I was quoted for the update when I took my Mk II ZS in for its first service when I asked.

 

[Gadget Geek]

Great! Can you share a link to the post or the title of the thread please?

Free Tesla supercharger update from MG dealerships

 

[Striker]

I believe this is not a 'Warranty' update. Very happy to be proved wrong.

I'm a firm believer in "if you say something with enough confidence, people believe it's true" I told the dealer that it was warranty, as if it was a matter of fact. I don't know if that had any influence, but it "may" have helped

 

[DB Go Rex]

I believe this is not a 'Warranty' update. Very happy to be proved wrong.

I was quoted for the update when I took my Mk II ZS in for its first service when I asked.

So when something is broken we are happy for manufacturers to be absolved of all obligations under the warranty because the fix is a software one rather than hardware/mechanical?

 

[Gadget Geek]

Please bear with me on this one, I want to get my facts straight. I am just getting the information together about the Tesla software fix before I contact the dealership.

From the MG Europe website;

https://cdn.mgmotor.eu/files/MG-Warranty-Statement_ENG_2022-11-14-091431_mhle.pdf

it states:

Guarantees repair, replacement or adjustment, free of charge, by an Authorized Repairer, of any part which
fails during the warranty period, as a result of a manufacturing or material defect.

I would say that not being able to rapid charge at a CCS charger, regardless of network provider is a fault or at the very least, in need of adjustment.

My argument will be that the Battery Management System, which controls the DC rapid charging has failed to operate, as the software is not able to negotiate with the EVSE. The software is an integral part of the BMS, as it cannot function without it and is not therefore seperate from it.

My vehicle meets all the following conditions, stipulated by MG Europe:

MG Warranty conditions require that:
• All claims are notified, diagnosed and repairs completed by an Authorized MG Repairer within the Warranty
period.
• When a defect becomes apparent, the customer must report it to an Authorized MG Repairer as soon as
possible. The warranty may be invalidated if the customer continues to drive with a defect.
• In the case of MG Electric & Hybrid Vehicles, Claims will not be accepted if the high voltage battery has been
opened or removed from the customer’s MG vehicle by anyone other than an MG Authorized Repairer.
• All repairs, damage rectification or fitting of replacement parts and accessories are carried out by an
Authorized MG Repairer and in accordance with MG instructions.
• The vehicle has not been altered from its original specifications, where said alterations maybe found to be
the cause of any subsequent component failure.
2/6
• The vehicle has not suffered from neglect, improper repair, or improper use, and has been properly cleaned,
maintained and serviced in accordance with MG’s recommendations.
• Each main service is carried out within 1500 kilometers or 28 days of the recommended mileage interval or
service anniversary date as shown on the Service Interval Plan (within the service portfolio). Whilst the
warranty will not be invalidated if a non-authorized repairer carries out this work, Warranty faults resulting
from work carried out by a non-authorized repairer may not be covered under the MG Warranty. An
itemized service invoice must be obtained in the case of maintenance by a non-authorized repair shop
detailing the work done during maintenance
Note: To qualify for the MG warranty, the vehicle must have a full and accurate service history, in line with
MG recommended servicing plan, using Original Equipment Specification (OE) parts and fluids.
• If a defect arises from non-compliance of Manufacturer recommended service intervals and or
Manufacturer recommendations for care and maintenance, the Authorized MG Repairer reserves the right to reject any subsequent claims.
• The vehicle is not used for rallying, racing or competition purposes of any kind.
• The vehicle is not subjected to any load heavier than the maximum recommended by the manufacturer.
• The owner’s protection under the terms of the MG Warranty does not affect their statutory rights in law.
So, there we have it, MG are contractually obliged to fix the problem.

A warranty is a contractual assurance from a seller to a buyer. It is a subsidiary or collateral provision to the main purpose of the agreement: the sale itself. A breach of warranty claim is an action for breach of contract and is subject to the normal legal requirements of proving loss.

Warranties and indemnities: what’s the difference? – The In-House Lawyer

www.inhouselawyer.co.uk

I'll post back how I get on.

I contacted Drive MG North, in Bristol and had a prolonged converastion with a young lady on the phone.

I explained the problem, and she said they would need to book it in for an investigation, which would be chargeable IF MG deemed it to be a non-warranty issue, and I think we can all guess what they think. They can't book the car in for investigation unless you agree to paying if MG reject the warranty claim.

I then asked if it could be done as part of the serv ice, as my ZS is due a service in September. She said any updates and recalls would be done at the service, but there was no guarantee that the Tesla fix would be applied if MG, blah, blah blah.

So I've booked it in for the service, (which was a low mileage. Result there.) And will contact MG, giving them some "legalese" about the contract they have with me and a faulty BMS.

I could pay for the investigation when MG reject the warranty claim and then issue a summons in the small claims court. With their warranty conditions written in black and white, they really haven't got a leg to stand on.

 

[fred12345]

I contacted Drive MG North, in Bristol and had a prolonged converastion with a young lady on the phone.

I think the best way forward for you is to keep it in writing with MG customer services and not start as too argumentative - facts only. Simply say that your MG is not working with some ("some") open chargers and you think it should be warranty repair or recall issue if it is a straight-forward software update, but your local dealer is not sure - please confirm. Take it from there.

p.s. how about calling another dealer and asking whether they do charger update as part of the service and if so, book with them even if longer drive? What year is your model?

 

[Gadget Geek]

I think the best way forward for you is to keep it in writing with MG customer services and not start as too argumentative - facts only. Simply say that your MG is not working with some ("some") open chargers and you think it should be warranty repair or recall issue if it is a straight-forward software update, but your local dealer is not sure - please confirm. Take it from there.

p.s. how about calling another dealer and asking whether they do charger update as part of the service and if so, book with them even if longer drive? What year is your model?

72 plate. I'm going to be reasonable with them and approach it from the car is faulty, can they fix it. I think there is no point in arguing with the person on the phone, as they can only follow company policy they have been told to.

 

[fred12345]

72 plate. I'm going to be reasonable with them and approach it from the car is faulty, can they fix it. I think there is no point in arguing with the person on the phone, as they can only follow company policy they have been told to.

Funny that, mine is 22 SR Trophy, got it second hand in April, previous owner was a lease company that missed 1st service and done one on 31K, I took it for service as soon as I got it, no mention of any updates and when I tried Tesla last week, it worked... where I'm getting at is how come mine works and yours not?

 

[DB Go Rex]

Funny that, mine is 22 SR Trophy, got it second hand in April, previous owner was a lease company that missed 1st service and done one on 31K, I took it for service as soon as I got it, no mention of any updates and when I tried Tesla last week, it worked... where I'm getting at is how come mine works and yours not?

It's an interesting one. It's possible that yours has either had a later software version at manufacture, or it has had a visit to the dealer for a fix with the previous lease owner despite there being no record.

The other possibility is that with the parts situation in the post pandemic period, some cars were built with slightly different hardware configurations that causes the CCS protocol issue in the handshake only on those cars, whereas some in fact don't suffer from the issue.

Regardless, MG needs to take responsibility!

 

[fred12345]

It's an interesting one. It's possible that yours has either had a later software version at manufacture, or it has had a visit to the dealer for a fix with the previous lease owner despite their being no record.

The other possibility is that with the parts situation in the post pandemic period, some cars were built with slightly different hardware configurations that causes the CCS protocol issue in the handshake only on those cars, whereas some in fact don't suffer from the issue.

Regardless, MG needs to take responsibility!

it says my Mk2 ZS Trophy SR was manufactured on 27/11/2021 ... it would be really good to know which models need an update and which ones don't.
If the problem is sorted with a software update, that means recent models should work?

? Anyone with late 2023 or with 2024 model without first service to confirm if their car charges at Tesla?

 

[hilltophouse]

? Anyone with late 2023 or with 2024 model without first service to confirm if their car charges at Tesla?

I have 73 plate ZS SE. No services yet.
10th letter of the VIN is P
Tried at weekend on an open to all tesla charger and got "Unauthorized Vehicle" in the Tesla up when attempting charge. Disappointed ;-(

 

[DUKW]

Not all Tesla chargers are open to non Tesla cars you have to check The Tesla app to find one for your car, I also have a 23 palate with the 10th letter P it’s had it’s first service but the upgrade wasn’t done had to rebook and for the upgrade.

 

[Gadget Geek]

I thought I would try to get a definitive answer from MG.
This is the email exchange:

Hello.

I was wondering if you would be able to clarify MG's position of warranty repairs when it comes to software/firmware patches and fixes for the various control modules in the 2022 facelift version of the ZS EV Trophy Long Range?

I have recently tried to charge my car at a Tesla Supercharger which is open to all vehicles, and the car would not charge. I have researched MG user forums and found that this is an issue with some MG vehicles and that MG have provided a software fix for the issue. However, some owners have had the software applied under warranty, and some have been charged.

I have contacted my local MG dealership to ask if they can apply the fix, however, they inform me that they will charge an investigation fee to determine if it is indeed the software which is at fault. I do not see how it could be anything else as the car charges on all other networks. This is the equivalent of a petrol or deisel car having a fuel tank and the fuel nozzle not being able to fit in the filler neck.

As far as I can tell from the terms and conditions of the MG Waranty in Europe;

MG Guarantees repair, replacement or adjustment, free of charge, by an Authorized Repairer, of any part which
fails during the warranty period, as a result of a manufacturing or material defect.

I personally would class a vehicle not able to rapid charge at any CCS EVSE as a defect. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this issue.

Kind regards,

1st reply:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting MG customer service.

Regarding the query below, we have no influence on how much the dealership charges for diagnosis.

This is because before a fix is done, it must be diagnosed.

The price they charge goes towards labour costs.

I cannot confidently say if it will be covered as the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed.

When it has been, the dealership will be able to confirm if it is/is not.
My reply:

My query was not about the price charged for diagnosis, it is about whether MG Motors consider the Tesla software fix a warranty repair or not.

Can you give me a simple, definitive answer?

Is the software patch to fix the issue of charging on the Tesla Supercharger network, under warranty or not?

Kind regards,

2nd reply:

Good morning,

Thank you for contacting MG Motors UK.

There is never a charge for any MG update, however, as the technician at the dealership needs to remain with the vehicle during any installation, there may be a charge for the time of the technician.

This could apply as there is no fault with the vehicle.

It would be classed as a quality enhancement and the dealer cannot make a claim for their time through warranty as a result.

Please also note that this will not make the vehicle compatible with all Tesla charge points.



Only those which Tesla have chosen to open at any given time.



I hope this has answered your queries but if you do need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.



Kimd regards,

My reply to that is going to be:

So if it id done as part of a service, where the technician is already being paid to be with the vehicle, is it then free?

Any thoughts, anyone?

This is my reply:

Hello Halima,

Thank you for your reply.

I have to disagree with you that a software fix to allow a vehicle to rapid charge, which is fundamental to the operation of said vehicle, is not an enhancement, it is a neccessity.

This reply suggests that if the vehicle is being serviced, then a technician is already allocated to said vehicle, and therefore there should be no extra cost.

Can you confirm that this is correct please?

Kind regards,

 

[DB Go Rex]

Quality enhancement? Someone needs to talk sense into them.

 

[peterseddon]

As I have said before, my dealer called it a recall and so I got it for free.

 

[frb123]

I thought I would try to get a definitive answer from MG.
This is the email exchange:

Hello.

I was wondering if you would be able to clarify MG's position of warranty repairs when it comes to software/firmware patches and fixes for the various control modules in the 2022 facelift version of the ZS EV Trophy Long Range?

I have recently tried to charge my car at a Tesla Supercharger which is open to all vehicles, and the car would not charge. I have researched MG user forums and found that this is an issue with some MG vehicles and that MG have provided a software fix for the issue. However, some owners have had the software applied under warranty, and some have been charged.

I have contacted my local MG dealership to ask if they can apply the fix, however, they inform me that they will charge an investigation fee to determine if it is indeed the software which is at fault. I do not see how it could be anything else as the car charges on all other networks. This is the equivalent of a petrol or deisel car having a fuel tank and the fuel nozzle not being able to fit in the filler neck.

As far as I can tell from the terms and conditions of the MG Waranty in Europe;

MG Guarantees repair, replacement or adjustment, free of charge, by an Authorized Repairer, of any part which
fails during the warranty period, as a result of a manufacturing or material defect.

I personally would class a vehicle not able to rapid charge at any CCS EVSE as a defect. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this issue.

Kind regards,

1st reply:

Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting MG customer service.

Regarding the query below, we have no influence on how much the dealership charges for diagnosis.

This is because before a fix is done, it must be diagnosed.

The price they charge goes towards labour costs.

I cannot confidently say if it will be covered as the vehicle has not yet been diagnosed.

When it has been, the dealership will be able to confirm if it is/is not.
My reply:

My query was not about the price charged for diagnosis, it is about whether MG Motors consider the Tesla software fix a warranty repair or not.

Can you give me a simple, definitive answer?

Is the software patch to fix the issue of charging on the Tesla Supercharger network, under warranty or not?

Kind regards,

2nd reply:

Good morning,

Thank you for contacting MG Motors UK.

There is never a charge for any MG update, however, as the technician at the dealership needs to remain with the vehicle during any installation, there may be a charge for the time of the technician.

This could apply as there is no fault with the vehicle.

It would be classed as a quality enhancement and the dealer cannot make a claim for their time through warranty as a result.

Please also note that this will not make the vehicle compatible with all Tesla charge points.



Only those which Tesla have chosen to open at any given time.



I hope this has answered your queries but if you do need any further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us.



Kimd regards,

My reply to that is going to be:

So if it id done as part of a service, where the technician is already being paid to be with the vehicle, is it then free?

Any thoughts, anyone?

This is my reply:

Hello Halima,

Thank you for your reply.

I have to disagree with you that a software fix to allow a vehicle to rapid charge, which is fundamental to the operation of said vehicle, is not an enhancement, it is a neccessity.

This reply suggests that if the vehicle is being serviced, then a technician is already allocated to said vehicle, and therefore there should be no extra cost.

Can you confirm that this is correct please?

Kind regards,

Keep up the good work!

 

[Hobgoblin]

what have zs ev owners been quoted for this update.My dealer said it was chargeable but only quoted £36 so we had it done. if it had been over £100 we wouldn't have bothered.

 

[Miles Roberts CG]

The information is now live on "TRIP" (MG's internal workshop manual tool)

The basics are that all Long Range MG5/ZS EV should have the correct hardware. All that is required is a software update, which is chargeable by the dealership as MG have said this is classed as an enhancement rather than a warranty fault.

The only vehicles that will need hardware updates are the MK1 ZSEV and the Standard Range MG5.

This requires a replacement EVCC, part number - 11505199 - RRP: £220.71 + VAT.
Indicative labour time for replacement of this part is 1 hour + coding

(MCE = Mid-Cycle Enhancement = Facelift model)

 

[DB Go Rex]

The information is now live on "TRIP" (MG's internal workshop manual tool)

The basics are that all Long Range MG5/ZS EV should have the correct hardware. All that is required is a software update, which is chargeable by the dealership as MG have said this is classed as an enhancement rather than a warranty fault.

The only vehicles that will need hardware updates are the MK1 ZSEV and the Standard Range MG5.

This requires a replacement EVCC, part number - 11505199 - RRP: £220.71 + VAT.
Indicative labour time for replacement of this part is 1 hour + coding

View attachment 27243



(MCE = Mid-Cycle Enhancement = Facelift model)

Thanks for clarifying Miles. You did mention on a previous podcast that the software fix was free, but dealer discretion if they'd charge for the update labour.

I think MG needs to rethink this - as MG have never said that Tesla are doing something non-CCS complaint. If Tesla are doing something non-complaint, they should be called out for it.

Otherwise, they should be fixing it for full compliance to the standard, under warranty.

 

[Coulomb]

Well, I'm one of the presumably many MG ZS EV Mark 1 owners who just learned that it will cost me over AU$500 to be able to rapid charge my EV at the most reliable charging network, Tesla's superchargers. It's also unknown what other chargers won't work with this vehicle.

I'm a retired electronics engineer, and I'm wondering what would possibly be the hardware issue. It would be really good to find some technical specifications (a schematic would be great). I can't believe that it would take more than AU$10 of parts, plus an hour of time, to update an old EVCC. The big problem is figuring out what needs changing, and one reasonable way to implement it. Another problem seems to be the vast number of variants out there.

If it can be figured out, this could be a nice little cottage industry. Anyone have any technical leads to start this?