MG MG5 Charging at REWE Charging

MG MG5 Charger Won't Start? Step-by-Step Help

You have plugged in your MG MG5 and the charging session refuses to start. The charger might be blinking, showing an error, or doing nothing at all. This is a common problem across all EVs, and the MG5 is no exception. Most causes are easy to diagnose and fix on the spot.

Symptoms

• Charger display shows an error or stays on the start screen
• CCS2 connector plugs in but charging does not initiate
• MG5 charge port light does not turn on or stays amber
• App shows the charger as available but the session does not begin
• AC Type 2 cable locks in but no power flows

What to Do

1. 1

   Read the charger screen

   Check for error messages, authentication prompts, or status indicators. If it says 'waiting for vehicle' the problem is on the car side. If it says 'error' or 'out of service,' the charger is the issue.

2. 2

   Unplug, wait, and replug

   Remove the connector completely, wait 15 seconds, and reinsert it firmly. Listen for the locking click on the MG5's charge port. This resets the communication handshake.

3. 3

   Complete authentication

   Tap your RFID card, open the network app and start the session, or use contactless payment. Some chargers need you to authenticate before plugging in, others after.

4. 4

   Check for scheduled charging

   Go to the MG5's charging settings on the infotainment screen. If a charging schedule is active, disable it to allow immediate charging.

5. 5

   Restart the car's systems

   Turn the MG5 off using the start button, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This can clear temporary software glitches that prevent the charge port from communicating.

6. 6

   Move to another stall or station

   If the charger is at fault, try another stall. If no stalls work, the station may have a site-wide issue. Find an alternative station using your charging app.

MG MG5 Charging Payment Failed? How to Fix It

You are standing at a charger with your MG MG5 and the payment will not work. Card declined, app throwing errors, or no idea how to pay at all. This is one of the most frustrating parts of public charging, and it happens to everyone. Here is how to get past it.

Symptoms

• RFID card not recognized when tapped on the charger
• Charging app shows payment error or transaction declined
• Contactless card payment rejected at the terminal
• Charger starts authentication but then returns an error
• Session begins but ends immediately due to payment failure

What to Do

1. 1

   Identify accepted payment methods

   Look at the charger for payment logos and instructions. Note whether it accepts RFID cards, specific apps, contactless cards, or QR code payments. Each charger may support different methods.

2. 2

   Try the network's own app

   Download the charger network's app, create an account, and add a payment method. Then start the session through the app. This bypasses RFID and contactless issues.

3. 3

   Switch to an alternative payment method

   If your primary RFID card fails, try contactless with your bank card. If that fails, try a roaming provider like Plugsurfing, Shell Recharge, or Chargemap.

4. 4

   Check your bank for blocked transactions

   Open your banking app and look for declined or pending transactions. If the pre-authorization was blocked, call your bank or temporarily increase your card limit.

5. 5

   Try a different stall

   If the card reader on one stall is broken, another stall at the same station may have a working reader. Try the next one before giving up on the location.

6. 6

   Find an alternative station

   Use your charging app to find a nearby station from a network where your payment methods are confirmed to work. Filter by your preferred payment method if the app supports it.

MG MG5 Charging Slowly? Why and How to Fix It

Your MG MG5 is charging slower than you expected. With a maximum DC speed of 87kW, the MG5 is not the fastest charger in its class, but it should still deliver reasonable speeds. If you are seeing numbers well below that, something else is going on. Here is what to check.

Symptoms

• DC charging power showing well below 87kW on the charger display
• AC charging stuck below 11kW on a capable wallbox
• Estimated charging time significantly longer than expected
• Charging speed drops sharply above 50-60% SOC
• Very slow charging in cold weather conditions

What to Do

1. 1

   Check the charger's maximum power output

   Verify the charger is rated above 87kW. If it is a 50kW charger, the MG5 is getting the maximum available. Look at the charger label or check in the network app.

2. 2

   Use preconditioning in cold weather

   Set the fast charger as your destination in the MG5's navigation system. This activates battery preconditioning, which warms the battery before you arrive and improves initial charging speed.

3. 3

   Check your state of charge

   If you are above 60% SOC, the MG5's charging taper is expected. For the fastest session, arrive at the charger between 10-20% SOC and charge to 70-80%.

4. 4

   Try a different stall to avoid power sharing

   If the station shares power between stalls, wait for other cars to finish or move to a stall that is not paired with another active charger. Some stations label which stalls share power.

5. 5

   For AC, verify your cable and charger

   Make sure you are using a 3-phase Type 2 cable on an 11kW or higher AC charger. A single-phase connection limits you to about 3.6kW, which adds many hours to a full charge.

6. 6

   Check car settings for charging limits

   In the MG5's settings, look for any AC current limit or maximum charge level that might be capping your speed.

Charger occupied by non-charging vehicles

You arrive at the REWE charger and a car is parked in the charging spot without being plugged in. This is common at supermarket locations where shoppers treat EV spots as regular parking.

Symptoms

• Charging spot is occupied by a car with no cable connected
• ICE vehicle parked in the EV charging bay
• Car is plugged in but session has clearly ended and the driver is inside shopping
• All charging spots taken despite the app showing the charger as available

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check if the other car is actively charging

   Look at the charger display or connector. If the session has ended and the car is just parked, REWE cannot remotely move it. The app status reflects the charger, not the parking spot.

2. 2

   Ask at the REWE customer service desk

   REWE staff can sometimes make a store announcement asking the vehicle owner to move. This works more often than you would expect.

3. 3

   Wait briefly or shop first

   At supermarket chargers, turnover is high. Most shoppers leave within 30 to 45 minutes. Do your shopping and check again.

4. 4

   Check for additional REWE locations nearby

   Many German cities have multiple REWE stores with chargers within a short drive. Check the app for the next closest option.

Contactless card reader not responding

You tap your debit or credit card on the reader but nothing happens. The reader does not beep, does not show a light, or shows an error briefly before resetting.

Symptoms

• Card reader shows no response when you tap
• Reader beeps but the screen shows an error
• Card works at the REWE checkout inside but not at the charger
• Contactless symbol is visible on the reader but it seems inactive

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Hold your card flat against the reader for 3 to 5 seconds

   Some REWE charger readers are slower than store payment terminals. Hold the card still and wait for the full processing time.

2. 2

   Remove your phone and other cards from the area

   If you hold your wallet with multiple contactless cards near the reader, it may detect interference and reject the transaction.

3. 3

   Try the charging app instead

   If contactless is not working, start the session through the REWE charging partner app. This bypasses the physical card reader entirely.

4. 4

   Check if the reader is physically damaged

   Supermarket chargers are exposed to shopping carts, weather, and heavy foot traffic. If the reader looks cracked or the screen is damaged, report it to REWE staff inside and try another stall if available.

Session ends due to maximum stay time limit

Your charging session stops before the battery is full because REWE enforces a maximum parking time at the charging spot. This exists to keep spots available for other shoppers.

Symptoms

• Charging stops after 60 to 90 minutes even though the battery is not full
• App notification says session ended due to time limit
• You return from shopping to find the charger disconnected
• Charger screen shows session completed despite low battery level

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check the posted time limit before you start

   REWE typically allows 60 to 120 minutes depending on the location. Look for signage near the charger or check the app for time restrictions at that specific store.

2. 2

   Plan your charge around your shopping time

   At up to 300 kW, most EVs can gain 150 to 250 km of range in 30 to 45 minutes. A normal grocery run is usually enough time for a meaningful charge.

3. 3

   Move your car if you need more time

   If you need a longer session, move your car to a regular parking spot after the time limit and start a new session if the charger is free when you return.

4. 4

   Use REWE chargers for top-ups, not full charges

   Supermarket chargers work best for adding range while you shop, not for charging from 10% to 100%. If you need a full charge, plan for a dedicated fast charging station.

Poor mobile signal in underground or garage parking

Some REWE stores have chargers in basement or covered parking areas where mobile signal is weak. This can prevent the app from starting a session or processing contactless payments.

Symptoms

• App shows 'No connection' or spins without loading
• Contactless payment times out during processing
• You cannot scan the QR code on the charger because the page will not load
• Session starts but the app loses connection and cannot show charging status

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Connect to REWE store WiFi if available

   Many REWE stores offer free WiFi that may reach the parking area. Check for a REWE network in your phone's WiFi settings.

2. 2

   Walk closer to the garage entrance to start the session

   If you need the app to start the session, walk toward the exit where signal is stronger, start the session remotely, then return to your car.

3. 3

   Use contactless payment instead of the app

   Contactless card payments are processed through the charger's built-in connection, not your phone. If the card reader works, you do not need mobile signal.

4. 4

   Pre-load the app before entering the garage

   Open the app and navigate to the station page while you still have signal. Some apps cache enough data to start a session even with intermittent connectivity.

Charger unavailable outside store hours

You arrive at a REWE charger outside store opening hours and the charger is inaccessible or powered down. Some locations gate their parking areas or shut down chargers when the store closes.

Symptoms

• Parking area gate is locked and you cannot reach the charger
• Charger screen is dark and does not respond
• App shows the charger as available but the physical location is closed
• Barrier arm blocks entry to the parking lot after closing time

How to Fix It

1. 1

   Check store hours before planning a charge

   REWE stores in Germany typically close between 20:00 and 22:00 on weekdays and earlier on Saturdays. Most are closed on Sundays. If the charger is behind a gate, you cannot access it outside these hours.

2. 2

   Verify 24/7 access in the app

   Some REWE charging locations offer 24/7 access even when the store is closed. Check the station details in the app. If it does not mention 24-hour access, assume it follows store hours.

3. 3

   Leave the parking area before the store closes

   If you are charging and the store is about to close, make sure you can exit the parking area. Some locations lock the barrier after closing, which could trap your car overnight.

4. 4

   Find an alternative nearby charger

   Use a multi-network app like Chargemap or the EVcourse charger finder to locate a 24/7 charger nearby. Dedicated charging stations along main roads usually operate around the clock.