In this article, we address the recent charging issues reported by BMW iX3/i4/iX1 owners using myenergi's zappi charging system. These issues primarily occur when attempting to charge from surplus PV generation. Although these issues are not related to the zappi device itself, it is important to identify the root cause and potential solutions.
Overview
Recently, we have received multiple reports from customers who are unable to charge their BMW iX3/i4/iX1 vehicles using surplus PV generation. The zappi charger displays a "Charge Delayed" message under these circumstances.
Symptoms
The following symptoms have been observed:
-
- Charge Delayed Message: When the PV inverter is active, the zappi is unable to deliver a charge.
-
Weather-Dependent Charging: Charging is possible at night or during poor weather conditions when the PV inverter is not generating power.
-
Interference with PV Inverter: Charging functions correctly when the PV inverter is turned off.
-
Verification with Alternative Charger: The customer tested with a "granny" three-pin charger, which also failed, confirming that the issue does not lie with the zappi unit.
Possible Solution
The issue appears to be related to electrical noise on the household mains supply, particularly when drawing power from solar PV or battery systems. A test case revealed the following:
-
PV Inverter Adjustment: The PV engineer changed the inverter’s “low noise” setting from 15 kHz to 20 kHz, which resolved the issue.
-
Noise Sensitivity: BMW vehicles, such as the iX3, may be particularly sensitive to mains-borne electrical noise. Another iX3 experienced the same charging issue under similar conditions.
-
Inverter Model: The customer in the test case was using a Sunsynk hybrid inverter, which contributed to the electrical noise.
This highlights the importance of optimising PV system settings to prevent interference with EV charging. Customers experiencing similar problems should consult their PV installer or supplier to review and adjust inverter settings as needed.
For further discussions and community support, you can refer to the Forum here