Citroen e-C4 Charging at ABC-lataus

Citroen e-C4 Charger Won't Start? Step-by-Step Fix

Your Citroen e-C4 is connected to the charger but nothing is happening. No power, no progress, and maybe an error flashing on the charger screen. This is a common problem at public charging stations and it usually has a straightforward fix.

Symptoms

• CCS2 connector inserted but no charging session begins
• Charger screen shows an error code or connection failure
• The e-C4's charge port indicator does not light up or blinks red
• Charger starts to initialize but disconnects within seconds
• Type 2 connector locks in at an AC station but no power flows

What to Do

1. 1

   Complete the authentication step

   Tap your RFID card, start a session in the charging app, or use contactless payment. Follow the charger's on-screen instructions. Some networks require authentication before plugging in, others after.

2. 2

   Unplug and firmly reseat the connector

   Pull the CCS2 or Type 2 connector out completely and reinsert it straight into the charge port with a firm push until it clicks. Keep the cable aligned and support its weight.

3. 3

   Disable scheduled charging on the touchscreen

   Open the charging settings on the e-C4's central touchscreen. Turn off any scheduled or deferred charging mode so the car accepts power immediately.

4. 4

   Clean the charge port

   Check the charge port on the left rear for dirt, salt, or ice. Wipe the contacts with a dry cloth. In freezing weather, gently clear any ice from the port opening and door.

5. 5

   Lock and unlock the vehicle to reset

   Use the key fob or the MyCitroen app to lock the car, wait 10 seconds, then unlock it. This resets the charge port controller. Try plugging in again.

6. 6

   Try a different charger

   Move to another stall at the same station or find a nearby alternative. Some charger faults affect only one unit while others at the same site work fine.

Citroen e-C4: Charger Payment Failed? Quick Fixes

Your Citroen e-C4 is plugged in, but the payment is not going through. RFID rejected, app error, or bank card declined. This is entirely a charger and payment issue, not a car problem. Here is how to sort it out and start charging.

Symptoms

• RFID card rejected with an error beep or message
• Charging network app shows a payment error or session failure
• Contactless bank card declined at the charger terminal
• Pre-authorization hold appears but no charging session starts
• Charger starts briefly then stops with a billing error

What to Do

1. 1

   Check accepted payment methods on the charger

   Look at the charger's display and body for logos showing which RFID networks, apps, or card payment options are accepted.

2. 2

   Try a different payment method

   Switch from RFID to the network app, or from the app to a contactless bank card. Always carry at least two options.

3. 3

   Check your bank card balance

   Open your banking app and confirm you have enough available balance for a pre-authorization hold. Some chargers hold up to 80 EUR upfront.

4. 4

   Update or restart the charging app

   Check for updates, close and reopen the app, and look for any stuck open sessions. Log out and back in if the problem persists.

5. 5

   Use the charger's built-in card reader

   Look for a contactless card reader on the charger. More European stations now offer direct bank card payment, which bypasses RFID and app issues.

6. 6

   Call the support number on the charger

   Every public charger displays a support number. The operator can sometimes start a session remotely or diagnose the payment issue from their end.

Citroen e-C4 Charging Too Slow? How to Fix It Now

Your Citroen e-C4 can charge at up to 100 kW on a DC fast charger, but you might be getting far less. The 50.8 kWh NMC battery sits on the Stellantis e-CMP platform, and its charging behavior has some known limitations. Here is what holds back your speed and how to work around it.

Symptoms

• DC charging power stays well below 100 kW even at a high-power station
• Charging speed drops steeply before reaching 50% state of charge
• AC charging at home maxes out at 3.6 kW instead of 11 kW
• The touchscreen shows an estimated time much longer than expected
• Cold weather charging sessions take nearly twice as long as summer sessions

What to Do

1. 1

   Drive at highway speed for 15-20 minutes before fast charging

   Since the e-C4 has no battery preconditioning, active driving is the best way to warm the battery. Highway driving before your charging stop makes a meaningful difference in cold weather charging speeds.

2. 2

   Arrive at the charger between 10% and 20%

   The e-C4 charges fastest at low state of charge. Plan your stop so you arrive around 10-15% to take advantage of peak speeds. The difference between 10% and 50% arrival can be 30-40 kW.

3. 3

   Pick a charger stall that is not sharing power

   Check if two CCS2 cables come from one cabinet. Choose the stall where the other connector is free. This ensures you get the full power output from the charger.

4. 4

   Verify your home AC setup

   Check the power reading on the e-C4's touchscreen during a home AC charge. If it shows about 3.6 kW, you are on single-phase power. A three-phase upgrade unlocks the full 11 kW.

5. 5

   Monitor the charging screen

   During DC charging, watch the current power on the touchscreen. If it starts low, the battery may be warming up. Give it 5-10 minutes. Power should gradually increase as the battery temperature rises.

6. 6

   Stop DC charging at 80% on road trips

   The last 20% takes disproportionately long. On longer drives, unplug at 80% and drive to the next charging stop. You will save significant time overall.

Session fails to start or charger shows an error

You plug in and try to authenticate, but the charger does not begin charging. This can happen due to communication issues between your vehicle and the charger, or a problem with authentication.

Symptoms

• Charger shows an error after you try to start a session
• Contactless card payment does not work at this station (older unit without payment terminal)
• Card reader beeps but the session does not start
• The app says the session is starting but nothing happens at the charger

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Unplug, wait 30 seconds, and try again

   The initial communication handshake between your vehicle and the charger can fail. Unplug the connector, wait at least 30 seconds, and reconnect. The second attempt often works.

2. 2

   Try starting the session through the ABC-lataus app

   If the card reader is not cooperating, open the ABC-lataus app, select the station, and start the session from your phone. This bypasses the physical card reader entirely.

3. 3

   Try contactless card payment at newer stations

   Some newer ABC-lataus high-power stations have a contactless payment terminal. If the app is not cooperating, look for a card reader on the charger unit and tap your bank card. Older stations may not have this option.

4. 4

   Try a different charger unit at the same station

   If the station has multiple charger units, switch to another one. One unit may have a hardware issue while the others work fine.

Finding the EV charger at a busy fuel station

ABC-lataus chargers are located at ABC fuel stations, which also serve diesel and petrol vehicles. The EV charging spots can be easy to miss if you are visiting for the first time.

Symptoms

• You arrived at the ABC station but cannot see the EV charger
• The charger is behind the fuel pump area or in a separate parking section
• Other vehicles (non-EV) are parked in the charging spots
• Signage is not visible from the main road entrance

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check the ABC-lataus app for the charger's exact location

   The app shows station details including photos or layout hints. Some ABC stations place chargers at the far end of the parking area, away from the fuel pumps.

2. 2

   Look for the CCS2 cable and charging unit

   The charger unit is taller than a fuel pump and usually has a clearly different design. Look for a separate bay with a CCS2 cable, often marked with green signage or an EV symbol on the ground.

3. 3

   Drive past the fuel pumps

   At many ABC stations, the EV charger is positioned after the fuel pump area or in a dedicated corner of the parking lot. Do not stop at the fuel pumps. Continue through and scan for the charging unit.

4. 4

   If an ICE vehicle is blocking the spot, report it

   ABC stations serve all types of vehicles. If a non-EV is parked in the charging bay, contact ABC customer service through the app. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do in the moment besides trying another station.

App setup confusion within the S-Group ecosystem

The ABC-lataus app is part of the S-Group digital ecosystem. If you already use S-mobiili for groceries or fuel, the relationship between the apps can be confusing.

Symptoms

• You are not sure whether to use S-mobiili or the ABC-lataus app
• Your S-Group login works in one app but not the other
• Charging payments do not appear in your S-mobiili transaction history
• You created a new account instead of linking your existing S-Group membership

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Use the ABC-lataus app for starting and managing charging sessions

   While S-mobiili handles your broader S-Group membership, the ABC-lataus app is the dedicated tool for finding stations, starting sessions, and viewing charging history. Install it separately from the App Store or Google Play.

2. 2

   Log in with your existing S-Group credentials

   Use the same username and password you use for S-mobiili or s-kanava.fi. Do not create a new account.

3. 3

   Check payment method settings in the ABC-lataus app

   Even if you have a payment card saved in S-mobiili, the ABC-lataus app may require you to add a payment method separately. Go to settings or payment in the ABC-lataus app and add your card there.

4. 4

   Verify your account is set up for charging

   Check the ABC-lataus app settings to make sure your payment method is saved and charging is enabled.

Connector stuck or difficult to insert in winter cold

Finnish winters mean temperatures well below freezing. The CCS2 connector locking mechanism and the vehicle's charge port can freeze, making it hard to plug in or unplug.

Symptoms

• The CCS2 connector will not click into your vehicle's charge port
• The connector is plugged in but the locking mechanism will not engage
• You cannot release the connector after charging is complete
• The connector handle feels stiff or the release button is frozen

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your vehicle's charge port for ice

   Open the charge port door and look for ice buildup around the opening or inside the port. Brush away any loose ice or snow with your hand or a soft brush. Do not use sharp tools, as you can damage the pins.

2. 2

   Warm the connector in your hands for a moment

   If the connector handle feels frozen stiff, hold it in your hands for 30 seconds to warm the mechanism slightly. The locking button and release lever work better when they are not frozen solid.

3. 3

   Push the connector in firmly and straight

   In cold weather, plastic contracts and tolerances get tighter. Line up the connector carefully and push it in with steady, even pressure. Do not force it at an angle.

4. 4

   If the connector is stuck after charging, try unlocking from your car

   Use your vehicle's unlock button or the in-car menu to release the charge port lock. Some vehicles also release the connector when you unlock the doors. If it is still stuck, wait a few minutes. The charging session generates heat that may free the mechanism.

5. 5

   Contact support if the connector will not release

   Do not yank the connector. Forcing it can damage both the cable and your vehicle's charge port. Call ABC-lataus support and they can guide you through a remote release or send help.

Charging session starts but power delivery is low

The charger is rated for 200 kW, but your session is delivering significantly less. Several factors specific to ABC-lataus stations can contribute.

Symptoms

• Dashboard shows 30 to 50 kW at a 200 kW rated charger
• Charging speed drops after a few minutes
• Speed is lower than what you get at other fast chargers
• The charger screen shows a lower maximum than 200 kW

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check your vehicle's maximum DC charging rate

   A 200 kW charger does not mean your vehicle can accept 200 kW. Many EVs max out at 50 to 150 kW depending on the model, battery temperature, and state of charge. Check your vehicle's specifications.

2. 2

   Consider battery temperature in Finnish conditions

   Cold batteries accept less power. If your vehicle has been parked outside in freezing temperatures, the battery may need to warm up before it can accept higher charging speeds. Some vehicles have a preconditioning feature you can activate before arriving.

3. 3

   Check if another vehicle is sharing the station's power

   Some ABC-lataus locations share power between charger units. If another vehicle is charging at the same station, your available power may be split. This is normal and not a fault.

4. 4

   Arrive with a lower state of charge for faster charging

   Charging is fastest between 10% and 50% state of charge. If you arrive at 60% or higher, the charger will taper the power to protect your battery. This is your vehicle's doing, not the charger's.