Smart #1 Charging at ABC-lataus

Smart #1 Pro Plus Charger Will Not Start a Session

You plugged the connector into your Smart #1, but the charger is not responding. No charging indicator, no session starting, nothing happening. This is almost always a charger-side or authentication issue, not a problem with the car. Let us work through it.

Symptoms

• The CCS2 or Type 2 connector is in but nothing happens
• The charger screen shows an error or stays on the welcome screen
• The Smart #1 dashboard does not show a charging session
• You hear the connector lock but charging does not begin
• The charging app shows the charger as available even though you are plugged in

What to Do

1. 1

   Authenticate with the charger first

   Tap your RFID card, open the charging network app, or use contactless payment on the charger. Wait for the charger screen to confirm the session before plugging in.

2. 2

   Remove and reinsert the connector

   Unlock the connector (press the button on the charger handle), remove it fully, wait 10 seconds, then push it back in firmly until it clicks and locks.

3. 3

   Lock and unlock the car

   Use the key fob or Smart app to lock the car, wait 15 seconds, then unlock it. This can reset the charging system if it is in a fault state.

4. 4

   Check the charge port for ice or debris

   Open the charge port flap on the rear left of the Smart #1 and inspect it. In winter, warm the port gently with your hands or use lukewarm water if ice is present. Never use hot water.

5. 5

   Restart the infotainment system

   Press and hold the power button on the center screen for 10 seconds to restart the system. Wait for it to boot fully, then try plugging in again.

6. 6

   Try a different charger

   If the session still will not start, the charger is likely faulty. Move to another charger at the station or a different location.

Smart #1 Pro Plus Payment Failed at Charging Station

You are ready to charge your Smart #1, but the payment will not go through. The RFID card does not register, the app gives an error, or your bank card gets declined. This is a charger and payment issue, not a car issue. Here is what to do.

Symptoms

• RFID card tap does nothing at the charger
• Charging app shows a payment or authorization error
• Contactless bank card is declined
• Charger displays a payment error code
• Session starts but stops immediately with a billing message

What to Do

1. 1

   Check which payment methods the charger accepts

   Look at the stickers and screen on the charger for accepted networks, apps, and card types. If your payment method is not listed, you need to try something else.

2. 2

   Switch to a different payment method

   Try a different RFID card, a different charging app, or a contactless bank card. Having multiple options is essential for public charging in Europe.

3. 3

   Check your available balance

   Open your banking app and verify you have at least 80 EUR available to cover the pre-authorization hold. If not, use a card with a higher balance.

4. 4

   Hold the RFID card steadily

   Place the RFID card flat against the reader and hold it for 2-3 seconds. Do not tap and remove quickly. Some readers are slow to respond.

5. 5

   Cancel and retry the session

   If a previous attempt is stuck, cancel it through the app first. Wait a minute, then start a fresh session from scratch.

6. 6

   Try the other charger unit

   If the payment hardware is faulty on one unit, the neighboring charger at the same station may work fine.

Smart #1 Pro Plus Charging Slower Than Expected Speed

Your Smart #1 should charge at up to 150 kW on DC and 22 kW on AC, but the numbers on the screen tell a different story. Maybe you are stuck at 40 kW on a fast charger, or your wallbox is only delivering 7 kW. Here is what is going on and how to fix it.

Symptoms

• DC fast charging well below the 150 kW maximum
• AC charging stuck at 7 or 11 kW instead of 22 kW
• Charging speed drops sharply after 50-60% state of charge
• The dashboard shows lower power than the charger rating
• Charging from 10% to 80% takes much longer than the advertised 30 minutes

What to Do

1. 1

   Use navigation to activate preconditioning

   Set the DC charger as your destination in the Smart #1's built-in navigation. This activates battery preconditioning, warming or cooling the battery to the ideal temperature before you arrive.

2. 2

   Check your state of charge

   If you are above 60%, the slower speed is expected. For the fastest DC charging, arrive between 10-20% and charge to 80%.

3. 3

   Verify the charger's actual output

   Check the charger display for its rated power. If it says 50 kW, that is your maximum regardless of the Smart #1's 150 kW capability. Look for chargers rated 150 kW or higher.

4. 4

   Check if the charger is shared

   If another car is using the adjacent connector on the same charger unit, you may be sharing power. Move to a charger with no other user if possible.

5. 5

   For AC, verify three-phase connection

   To get 22 kW AC, your wallbox must be wired for three-phase at 32A. Check with your electrician. If you only have single-phase, the maximum is about 7.4 kW.

6. 6

   Try a different charger

   If speeds are still low after checking everything, the charger may be degraded. Try another charger at the same station or a different location.

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.