Regen limitations

[Smokeysworld]

I have a mk1 MG ZS EV, bought in July. All through the last 5 months the regen, whilst in 3, slows the car and I see the needle go into the charging section of the dial.

Now, I know when the battery is full, a message pops up saying regen won't work and to use the brakes, which makes total sense.

However, whether coincidence or not, I have noticed since the cold weather, regen doesn't always work. It doesn't seem to be if its over or under a specific outdoor temp though.

So the question is, are there safety features or something at play that will, without a warning in screen, limit the regen function under certain criteria other than a full battery? Or should I be concerned about a failing feature?

Thanks.

 

[Verdigris]

The battery can't charge as quickly when it is cold. The BMS will limit the amount of regen charge in line with battery temperature in the same way as it would using a public charger. You'd need to pre-heat the battery, if you want maximum regen, but you might not be much better off, in stored energy terms, on a short journey.

 

[Smokeysworld]

My journeys are always 21 miles.

Excuse my ignorance but does the mk1 have an option to preheat the battery? It doesn't have app functionality or anything so I can only assume any preheat is automatic?

 

[Alb]

The Mk1 doesn't have battery pre-heat.

 

[Smokeysworld]

So essentially I just have to expect regen to sometimes not kick in in colder weather?

 

[JuziWomble]

So essentially I just have to expect regen to sometimes not kick in in colder weather?

You could always pre-heat the car 15 mins before departure to see if that helps ??

 

[Gadget Geek]

You could always pre-heat the car 15 mins before departure to see if that helps ??

As Alb has already pointed out, the MK1 doesn't have battery heating.

 

[Verdigris]

Probably safest to assume you haven't got any regen if you have a full battery or it is cold.

 

[Ayoull]

The car will warn you if reduced regen when you start it up

 

[Lovemyev]

If your Regen has been reduced for the reasons already stated, remember there is a positive effect that comes from this.
Extra use of the foot brake will give your brake discs the much needed work out / clean that they very likely to need, as the result of stronger Regen in warmer conditions means little use.
Especially if you are a low mileage user.
I always use the default mode, which is set at 3 strongest level, but I do try to remember to reduce back to level 1 with the KERS button for one day, about once every two weeks or so.
This helps prevent rust and pitting of the disc’s which has become a target now at both service time / MOT time.
Some owners have received quotes of almost £1,000 to replace all discs and pads at the main agents.

 

[Verdigris]

Yes, I always may a point of using the brakes, every trip, as my use is fairly intermittent. I've been caught for rusty discs, too many times in the past. The pads and discs should still last the life of the car, though.