Tesla Supercharger Issue MG5 LR

[EVsince2016]

As an aside, I thought I would take a little advice on the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 from Blackbelt barrister on YT. It would seem that if we consider the inability to charge at a Supercharger as a fault, then we have 30 days and possibly up to 6 months in certain cases to reject the car.

The question is, can this be described as a fault. To my mind, it probably is. Since the car has a CCS plug socket, the average consumer would expect to use any CCS charger to charge the car and if it does not work then the car is faulty. It is clear that the car CAN work but only if you force an upgrade out of MG either by negotiation or by paying them for the privilege.

I had a discussion with my salesperson before I bought it. I said I'd be able to use Superchargers and he said that Tesla Superchargers are not open to anything but Teslas. I said that was wrong and they were opening up the network and was then told he hadn't heard of that. (ignorance is no defence). He did not tell me at that, or any other point, that MG5s cannot charge from Superchargers. I'll bet there are a few others out there that were in the same position. It was the same for the sales manager. He said he didn't know either.

Its clear that what we have here is that the dealers do not know about the advances in the charging marketplace (or are pleading ignorance) and expect the consumer to agree with them. This is not the case. The well-informed consumer will have researched the different sockets and chargers available as 'road trip' charging is a major part of the feasibility study before purchase. If not from the MG web site that it gives rapid charging figures for 'public chargers' - there's no asterisk that tells us which networks are unsupported or need an 'optional upgrade'.

Well, that's enough for tonight - we'll see how tomorrow goes.

I expect this thread may now split into two parts - the 'haves' and the 'have nots' - hopefully it won't get too complex and start to die. There is an important principle here that could see hundreds? of cars returned to the dealers as faulty?

Did you get a response? I tried too!

 

[Lovemyev]

Fantastic, and many thanks for that information Andrew.
And as pointed out by Dragons2611 it does appear some dealers are and some are not and making lots of excuses not to help there customers.
Les

These well be the least confident dealers, who tend to shy away from carrying out complicated and lengthy updates.
If the update process fails, then that gives the dealer a massive headache to resolve and they will be totally reliant on help from the technical department at MG CS.
This takes time and blocks work flowing through the workshop.
All of the main dealers in my area are constantly posting for Tech’s and service advisors.
Fewer people are training for these jobs now it seems ?.

 

[Paul Mason]

Be sure to let us know the result please! In fact, its pretty much on the way home so maybe I'll pop in and get yours - lol

I'll let you know... after I get it!

 

[Fluffykins]

I'm not (on Facebook)

Me neither, inna gonna, dinna wanna, canna, shanna.

 

[Ranty]

Did you get a response? I tried too!

None as yet. Will call on Monday. Its gone far enough.

 

[Lovemyev]

None as yet. Will call on Monday. Its gone far enough.

Good luck !.

 

[Les burrows]

As an aside, I thought I would take a little advice on the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 from Blackbelt barrister on YT. It would seem that if we consider the inability to charge at a Supercharger as a fault, then we have 30 days and possibly up to 6 months in certain cases to reject the car.

The question is, can this be described as a fault. To my mind, it probably is. Since the car has a CCS plug socket, the average consumer would expect to use any CCS charger to charge the car and if it does not work then the car is faulty. It is clear that the car CAN work but only if you force an upgrade out of MG either by negotiation or by paying them for the privilege.

I had a discussion with my salesperson before I bought it. I said I'd be able to use Superchargers and he said that Tesla Superchargers are not open to anything but Teslas. I said that was wrong and they were opening up the network and was then told he hadn't heard of that. (ignorance is no defence). He did not tell me at that, or any other point, that MG5s cannot charge from Superchargers. I'll bet there are a few others out there that were in the same position. It was the same for the sales manager. He said he didn't know either.

Its clear that what we have here is that the dealers do not know about the advances in the charging marketplace (or are pleading ignorance) and expect the consumer to agree with them. This is not the case. The well-informed consumer will have researched the different sockets and chargers available as 'road trip' charging is a major part of the feasibility study before purchase. If not from the MG web site that it gives rapid charging figures for 'public chargers' - there's no asterisk that tells us which networks are unsupported or need an 'optional upgrade'.

Well, that's enough for tonight - we'll see how tomorrow goes.

I expect this thread may now split into two parts - the 'haves' and the 'have nots' - hopefully it won't get too complex and start to die. There is an important principle here that could see hundreds? of cars returned to the dealers as faulty?

Hi Randy in your post about "it might start to die" that’s up to us, the MG5 owners, not to let it die. Way earlier in this thread I encouraged all 5 owners to apply pressure on the dealers to get them to contact MG UK for a solution to this problem. You write people at your dealership, denying any knowledge that Tesla supercharges are open to others, I had exactly the same problem with my dealer. Three people still be on the service desk when I mentioned it all shoot the red so they never heard of it. Absolute rubbish they shouldn’t be in the job; it’s not gonna keep them abreast of what they’re selling and what it can do in my opinion.
The thing is now in the last few weeks, several owners from different parts of the country and with different dealershipsa have had their cars fixed and they are now able to use the Tesla network, so we know there is a fix available.
As you point out and I have said before if a vehicle is fitted with the correct connection it should work with any charging point that is available to the public no matter what make or model it is.
Les

 

[Lovemyev]

I had exactly the same problem with my dealer three people still be on the service desk when I mentioned it all shoot the red so they never heard of it. absolute rubbish they shouldn’t be in the job it’s not gonna keep it abreast of what they’re selling and what it can do in my opinion.

Just to add to your comments Les I witnessed something similar on Friday.
I called into my local dealer, to get a price for the upcoming 2nd service on my ZS EV LR.
While standing at the service desk, the guy dealing with my enquiry, just happened to mention that he was actually the service manger and he was filling in for somebody who had gone home poorly.
Sorry, but I did see this as an opportunity too good to miss !.
While checking on the details of my car, he said “Oh BTW your car is due an update to the CCU.
At this point, two tech’s from the workshop walked in on the conversation.
The manger turned to the tech’s and said, I am giving this chap a price on a service and if we get the job, we can claim for the update to the CCU as well.
So I asked the service manger, what is the CCU module anyway ?.
The MANAGER turned and ask the tech’s, what is the CCU.
The tech said …… Erhmmm …. It’s what your car uses to charge your 12 volt battery.
I ask the manager, could it be an update that would allow me to charge my car on a non - Tesla open super charger.
To which he replied with this responce.
“NO - MG’s can NOT charge on the Tesla chargers and if they are updated to do so, then if it harms your battery or modules, they MG will not fix your car under warranty.
So there is NO updates for MG’s.
I know this because I deal with all of the warranty claims as well !.
I tried my best to explain that this was simply not true, because the MG4 is already equipped from the factory to accept charging at a non - Tesla open unit.
I also tried to convince him that with the correct update, and agreed by MG CS that the ZS EV facelift could also accept the open Tesla units.
He just sat there shaking his head from side to side and saying NO.
He then informed me that he had taken over from the previous manager in July 2023.
I asked him I he had transferred from another MG dealer, he said NO.
Who did work for before then ?.
Service manager at Halfords was the reply.
Okay ? - Nice ?.
This is a prime example of what we are up against folks !.
Again - This is a person in the position of being employed as a service manager for MG.
I leave you to draw your own conclusions on my experience.

 

[Les burrows]

Probably has less MG EV experience and knowledge than me and you Jeff.
Les.

 

[Lovemyev]

Could well be right there Les.
They are looking for a couple of service advisors, maybe we should apply for the posts Les ?.

 

[Ranty]

So - I had a call from the 'Master Tech'! Apparently there was a letter came out from MG on 25th Jan. Prior to that and the introduction of a new software package to make sure the correct updates are applied, MG would have to authorise any software updates on an individual basis. The situation, I'm told, has now changed. Dealers can apply updates when they need to without identifying a fault and submitting to MG. This includes the Tesla update.

However, the Tesla update does not come with a guarantee - it may, or may not work he said. My view is that I'm still better off with it than without it since at least I'm in with a chance!

The letter was published on the 25th and my vehicle collected on the 27th - when the PDI was done, I don't know but the outcome is I have to drive it all the way across the country and back later in the month to have the update done.

So there it is. It seems MG have woken up and smelled the brewing unhappiness - to be fair the Tech said it was nuts too! Hopefully this information will be helpful to some.

 

[Les burrows]

Hi everyone here I to have had this response from Miles Roberts from the MG podcast who has been pursuing MG motors for several weeks on our behalf to sort out this issue copy of the e-mail I have received from him this morning is below.
So you can show this to your dealers when you contact them if you need to.
Les

Hi Les,

I've just got a message back from MG Technical, who have advised that we can update your EVCC module to sort the Tesla charging issue, and we can claim this cost back from MG under warranty. Result!

I've advised our Chorley Service dept of this, so if you want to rebook with them at your convenience, they will arrange this for you.

Kind regards,
Miles

 

[slmorgan42]

Hi everyone here I to have had this response from Miles Robert’s from the MG podcast who has been pursuing MG motors for several weeks on our behalf to sort out this issue copy of the e-mail I have received from him this morning is below.
So you can show this to your dealers when you contact them if you need to.
Les

Hi Les,

I've just got a message back from MG Technical, who have advised that we can update your EVCC module to sort the Tesla charging issue, and we can claim this cost back from MG under warranty. Result!

I've advised our Chorley Service dept of this, so if you want to rebook with them at your convenience, they will arrange this for you.

Kind regards,
Miles

Thats brilliant.

 

[Lovemyev]

Hi everyone here I to have had this response from Miles Robert’s from the MG podcast who has been pursuing MG motors for several weeks on our behalf to sort out this issue copy of the e-mail I have received from him this morning is below.
So you can show this to your dealers when you contact them if you need to.
Les

Hi Les,

I've just got a message back from MG Technical, who have advised that we can update your EVCC module to sort the Tesla charging issue, and we can claim this cost back from MG under warranty. Result!

I've advised our Chorley Service dept of this, so if you want to rebook with them at your convenience, they will arrange this for you.

Kind regards,
Miles

Hi Les - Well after a LONG slog, there does appear to be glimmer of light at the end of tunnel !.
I am please that common sense has finally prevailed.
As more and more Tesla units are installed and more units become available to to none Telsa owners, then pressure was only going to increase and increase to get it sorted.
I guess you have already been on the phone by now, getting the MG5 booked in.
Do you know if this is a blanket authorisation from MG CS or all MG5 owners, or is it still done on a one by one basis.
If so that would mean that everybody has to go through the same laborious process as yourself.
I hope that MG CS will do the correct thing and issue a service update message to all dealers on this subject ?.
It would appear so, according to @Ranty post above !.
If so - Great result !.
Jeff.

 

[Paul Mason]

Picked up my MG5 Trophy this morning, yay! Returning it tomorrow, boo!

Neither passenger door opens from the inside; given how long we have known about this, it is rather disappointing.

Was also assured that the Tesla update had been applied; tried it straight away and it doesn't work.

Let us see what tomorrow brings...

 

[Les burrows]

Picked up my MG5 Trophy this morning, yay! Returning it tomorrow, boo!

Neither passenger door opens from the inside; given how long we have known about this, it is rather disappointing.

Was also assured that the Tesla update had been applied; tried it straight away and it doesn't work.

Let us see what tomorrow brings...

That is ridiculous and I can’t believe it’s still happening now and more especially so as had you told them only last week how the hell do they think they can get away with it please keep us updated. IDIOTS
Les.

Hi Les - Well after a LONG slog, there does appear to be glimmer of light at the end of tunnel !.
I am please that common sense has finally prevailed.
As more and more Tesla units are installed and more units become available to to none Telsa owners, then pressure was only going to increase and increase to get it sorted.
I guess you have already been on the phone by now, getting the MG5 booked in.
Do you know if this is a blanket authorisation from MG CS or all MG5 owners, or is it still done on a one by one basis.
If so that would mean that everybody has to go through the same laborious process as yourself.
I hope that MG CS will do the correct thing and issue a service update message to all dealers on this subject ?.
It would appear so, according to @Ranty post above !.
If so - Great result !.
Jeff.

Hi Jeff yes at long last a result, you ask is it a blanket result of that I’m not sure, but from what miles as written in his mail to me, that any cost can be claimed back under warranty by the dealer I would think yes it is, that plus what ( Ranty ) as written about a letter being sent out from MG I assume that letter was to his dealer so he can get his done.

So you may have mist I have written, that owners who are having issues with there dealers now should show to them what Miles has put in his mail to me.

Not been to get a reply today to get mine booked in, but will do tomorrow either buy phone or in person, only about a 35 mile round trip for me.
Les

 

[slmorgan42]

Hi everyone here I to have had this response from Miles Robert’s from the MG podcast who has been pursuing MG motors for several weeks on our behalf to sort out this issue copy of the e-mail I have received from him this morning is below.
So you can show this to your dealers when you contact them if you need to.
Les

Hi Les,

I've just got a message back from MG Technical, who have advised that we can update your EVCC module to sort the Tesla charging issue, and we can claim this cost back from MG under warranty. Result!

I've advised our Chorley Service dept of this, so if you want to rebook with them at your convenience, they will arrange this for you.

Kind regards,
Miles

My dealer is saying they cannot find a message from MGUK on this. They are being helpful and have asked the technicians to check their systems as well.

Is there any more information about this communication i can share with them to help them find it?

 

[Ranty]

I

My dealer is saying they cannot find a message from MGUK on this. They are being helpful and have asked the technicians to check their systems as well.

Is there any more information about this communication i can share with them to help them find it?

That would be very helpful as although I have an appointment 180 miles away to have it done in a few weeks, I really would prefer to get it done locally. A document reference with a source email and date would be helpful

 

[Green Salop Man]

This all looks very promising, and well done to everyone who has persevered for so long trying to resolve this issue.
My car is due its second service in March so I will be asking the Dealer to apply the firmware update, hopefully free of charge.

However until I have successfully charged the car on a Tesla Supercharger I won’t be celebrating just yet. I seem to recall in 2022 MG and a lot of other car makers to be fair had to change the chipsets in some cars due to the semiconductor shortage. I’m wondering if this may be a reason why the firmware update is successful for some but not for others.

 

[FormerOctavia]

Prior to buying my MG5, for many years, I went to a local back street garage who were brilliant. I popped in there recently and they told me they were now able to service EVs and were able to maintain warranties. I asked them about the Tesla issue, and weirdly, they seemed to know more about the issue than my MG dealer who were totally unaware. So, it might be worth your while avoiding the dealers who frankly, don't seem to add any value to justify their higher prices.