This article addresses the issues some BMW X1 PHEV owners face when charging in ECO and ECO+ modes using myenergi's zappi charging system. While the car charges seamlessly in FAST mode, challenges arise when attempting to charge at lower rates during surplus energy conditions.
Overview
Several customers have reported difficulties in charging their BMW X1 PHEV vehicles in ECO and ECO+ modes. Although charging proceeds without issues in FAST mode, problems arise when charging at lower power levels during surplus energy conditions.
Background
The charging issue occurs when there is minimal spare surplus, and the zappi charger maintains a charge rate of 1.4 kW. In these situations, the car may stop charging even though the battery is not fully charged, with zappi displaying "Charge Complete." Occasionally, the vehicle attempts to charge again, only to stop before the battery is full.
After conducting detailed monitoring, myenergi shared the results with BMW. They suggested that the X1 might not be able to charge at the minimum power levels defined in the international standard IEC 61851-1.
To address this, we have introduced a workaround by updating the Compatibility Mode settings, allowing users to raise the minimum charge rate.
Increasing the Minimum Charge Rate
To increase the minimum charge rate, follow these steps within the Compatibility Mode menu found in the Advanced Settings:
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Activate Compatibility Mode: Ensure "Active" is set to "On."
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Adjust Power Factor: Set the "Power Factor" to 1.0.
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Modify Minimum PWM Value: Increase the "Minimum PWM" value to the desired minimum charge rate.
Note: Achieving the right setting may involve some trial and error. The charge rate needs to be low enough to charge with minimal surplus generation but high enough to enable stable charging.
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Adjust Minimum Green Level (MGL): This adjustment allows the EV to start charging at lower levels of surplus generation, drawing additional power from the grid to meet the new minimum charge rate.
Conclusion
By increasing the minimum charge rate and adjusting the PWM values, BMW X1 PHEV owners can achieve more reliable charging performance in ECO and ECO+ modes. Note that any increase in the minimum charge rate will apply to all vehicles using the same zappi device.
For further guidance and support, please consult your zappi user manual or contact our customer service team.