MG5 Supercharger: FAQ 2 - What upgrades does my MG5 need to use a Tesla charger?

FAQ 2 - What upgrades does my MG5 need to use a Tesla charger?

What is the current situation?

This is the MG buelltin posted by Miles Roberts describing the EVCC upgrade. I found it worth while having this with me to show dealers who may not be aware of it.

Note that the EVCC part numbers are NOT the same as on the label. Based on owner information, we have established that the corresponding part numbers on the label are: 11170476, 11182835, 11313393.

Do I need any hardware upgrades?

The answer is a definite maybe. The EVCC fix is only compatible with three versions of the EVCC module as stated in the bulletin at the top of this FAQ. These were only fitted to PFL LR models. This means that the PFL SR and possibly, very early LR models will need the EVCC replaced.

How to identify which EVCC is fitted?

The EVCC is located next to the 12 volt battery as shown. The label is placed facing the battery and there is a small gap between the two that an endoscope can be used to see the numbers on the label. Failing that, the cover needs to be removed and the unit unbolted to expose the EVCC. The key number is the one beginning with three 1's. It should be marked EVCC-02. If it is an EVCC-01 unit, then that needs to be upgraded. If it is an EVCC-02 with a number that is different to 11170476, 11182835, 11313393, it most likely will need replacing as well. The units all look physically the same.

Can I use the eZS app to identify them?

No. While it reports firmware and hardware revisions, these are the manufacturer's (VMAX) use only. They do not change with the upgrades as the before and after screen shots show.

eZS app is android based and was written in Thailand for the MG ZS. It requires a ELM327 compatible OBD2 interface to talk to the car. It does seem to work with the MG5 but note that charging and BMS values are based on the Thai implementation which produces slightly different values.


What software upgrades are necessary?

There are two: SC052 and the EVCC fix. The SC052 EP22£EP21£ZS11EMCE CCU Software Update will not fix the Tesla problem on its own but it does address the HV battery fault alert caused by the 12V battery not providing a high enough voltage to start the system. This is done by raising the DCDC battery voltage to around 14.6V thus allowing the 12V battery to be fully charged. It does improve the CCS charging reliability - presumably because the 12V voltage is a bit higher - so it is worth making sure it is done. It is a warranty FOC repair. The EVCC fix can be carried out at the same time - mine was - but that is according to MG, chargeable.

Even if you do not have the EVCC fix, make sure that the SC052 update has been done.


Do I need to pay for the EVCC fix?

It depends on your car model. FL cars can have it under warranty FOC. For all other cars such as the PFL SR and LR models, it is classed as an enhancement and the dealer is charged, who then passes that onto the customer. This has prompted the great "warranty vs enhancement" debate.

Typical costs are 1 hour labour for a software upgrade and an additional £300 plus labour for a replacement EVCC module. The prices do vary because some dealers raise the prices because they simply do not want to do it. It can pay to shop around.

Dealers do seem to be taking a more pragmatic approach and if the car is in for other work, they are more amenable to do a free upgrade. However bear in mind they have to run a business and they may or may not need to charge you. That is their decision but ask nicely and who knows.

What happens if I don't get the upgrade?

Nothing. The car will still charge at other networks. If you charge mainly at home, there may be no real advantage in getting it, especially if you have to pay for it. Tesla superchargers cost a lot less - 50% or less compared to Ionity or Osprey - and so the decision to do so can be simply based on financial savings that it offers. If you do a lot of public charging and an open supercharger is nearby, then it might be worth while as the payback could take only 3-4 sessions.

I would recommend making sure that you get the SC052 upgrade - it's free and should give more reliable charging.

 

[Jomarkh]

I have a SR pre-facelift MG5. I got a used EVCC from a breaker and swapped it with the factory one. Seemed to work but when I went to do the update, it was blocked as the VIN number on the used part didn't match my car.

There were some companies that claimed they can "virginize" ECU's, allowing you to reuse second hand ones. Phoned around and no one would do it as they "don't do EV's".

Will have to pay £370 to get the EVCC from my local stealer. Hope it fixes it this time. Has anyone else replaced the EVCC on the SR and did it work? Can anyone confirm the part number for the new EVCC required for the fix is correct?

I was quoted about £1k to get my SR done. I now have the LR which works great on Superchargers

 

[adamjs16]

I have now found someone who is willing to try "virginizing" the breaker EVCC but they are not sure if it will work. I will post an update after they have attempted, to let everyone know how it goes.

 

[Jymbob]

Just checked. I'm in the same boat. @adamjs16 and update yet?

 

[adamjs16]

Not got round to sending it off yet as they were closed over christmas. Will be sending it off sometime this week.

 

[adamjs16]

It took him a while to look at it. He has had a look and found the VIN in the memory. He says he should be able to change it. Will let you know what happens once I have tested it myself with a charger.

 

[adamjs16]

I finally got the EEVC back, installed it in the car, and connected SIPS. The update then went through successfully and the car can now charge at Tesla Superchargers.

I’ve also noticed a few improvements since the repair. The 12 V battery charging voltage seems slightly higher, the car starts charging more quickly when plugged in, and the charging time estimates appear to be more accurate.

The work was carried out by Paul at Rollingmotion Auto Electrical. He explained that the issue required changing the VIN stored in the memory and updating the checksum.

Before contacting him I spoke to a large number of automotive electricians across the country — probably more than 20. All of them declined the job because they had never attempted something like this before. Paul was the only person willing to try. He was upfront that he couldn’t guarantee success and that his fee would still apply even if the repair didn’t work.

The job ended up taking about six weeks, which was longer than the original estimate. I had to follow up several times for updates and was often told it would be finished shortly. In the end he said it took quite a bit of time to figure out how to solve the problem, which likely explains the delay. It would have been easier if the timeline had been communicated more clearly.

That said, I don’t want to be overly critical. This was clearly a difficult and unusual job and he was the only person willing to attempt it when everyone else refused. He ultimately solved the problem and the unit now works perfectly.

So if anyone else runs into this issue, Paul at Rollingmotion Auto Electrical can fix it but it may take some time.

 

[Jomarkh]

I finally got the EEVC back, installed it in the car, and connected SIPS. The update then went through successfully and the car can now charge at Tesla Superchargers.

I’ve also noticed a few improvements since the repair. The 12 V battery charging voltage seems slightly higher, the car starts charging more quickly when plugged in, and the charging time estimates appear to be more accurate.

The work was carried out by Paul at Rollingmotion Auto Electrical. He explained that the issue required changing the VIN stored in the memory and updating the checksum.

Before contacting him I spoke to a large number of automotive electricians across the country — probably more than 20. All of them declined the job because they had never attempted something like this before. Paul was the only person willing to try. He was upfront that he couldn’t guarantee success and that his fee would still apply even if the repair didn’t work.

The job ended up taking about six weeks, which was longer than the original estimate. I had to follow up several times for updates and was often told it would be finished shortly. In the end he said it took quite a bit of time to figure out how to solve the problem, which likely explains the delay. It would have been easier if the timeline had been communicated more clearly.

That said, I don’t want to be overly critical. This was clearly a difficult and unusual job and he was the only person willing to attempt it when everyone else refused. He ultimately solved the problem and the unit now works perfectly.

So if anyone else runs into this issue, Paul at Rollingmotion Auto Electrical can fix it but it may take some time.

Hi, what was the total price to get a replacement unit plus VIN and fitted?
Could you buy a second hand unit and get it programed while still using the original and then just swapping them?

 

[Jymbob]

Hi, what was the total price to get a replacement unit plus VIN and fitted?
Could you buy a second hand unit and get it programed while still using the original and then just swapping them?

You can 100% swap out the EVCC with no noticeable effects on the car. That's what @adamjs16 and I have both done to get us nearer to fixing the Tesla issue ourselves. Mine is still locked, but I've got the one I removed in the garage.

Congrats Adam on finding a Real One.

Also MG5 EVCC reprogramming is now listed on their website:

If you want your MG5 EV to have super fast charging at a Tesla charging point , we can now adapt a used late spec EVCC module for you, with our software. This can then be installed and you can update it yourself to allow this function.

MG5 EV EVCC used late spec module software mod £200.00

 

[adamjs16]

I brought the newer EVCC off ebay and used the orignal whilst the new one was getting unlocked. Paul just unlocked it. You still need to do the firmware update after it has been unlocked. [Guide] DIY Tesla Compatibility Update for MG5 | MG5 EV Forum

The EVCC cost £40 off eBay. Paul gave me a discount as I accepted the risk of it not working. You would need to contact him to get a price.