[North America] - this is getting embarrassing - Porsche nerfing/neutering the PMCC via OTA update?

[AndiL]

@Eric The hardware was not changed, you have the same NEMA cable owners with older model years. And as you say, you have the same problem as everyone else using the NEMA cables getting hot.

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[TDinDC]

@Eric The hardware was not changed, you have the same NEMA cable owners with older model years. And as you say, you have the same problem as everyone else using the NEMA cables getting hot.

I have not noticed any overheating of cables, and I have not gotten any warning messages. I will make a point of measuring temp the next time I have a longer charging session.

 

[Scotty]

The update was pulled worldwide. I would expect a new update to be released that fixes/reverses these new issues/changes. I doubt an Software would fix the overheating issues with the cables though.

Please provide the link from PCNA that says update pulled. I have an arbitration case filed against PCNA and waiting for a hearing date. Thanks!

 

[AndiL]

@Scotty I don't have such a link, there is also no official announcement or anything similar. Anyone who did not get the automatic update, won't get it offered right now. And the software update page also doesn't list the update any longer for devices that did not get update.

 

[Scotty]

@Scotty I don't have such a link, there is also no official announcement or anything similar. Anyone who did not get the automatic update, won't get it offered right now. And the software update page also doesn't list the update any longer for devices that did not get update.

OK thanks. My arbitration case then will proceed.

 

[whitex]

The update was pulled worldwide. I would expect a new update to be released that fixes/reverses these new issues/changes. I doubt an Software would fix the overheating issues with the cables though.

There could be a software fix much better than what they did. For example, a simple adaptive algorithm which automatically throttles the charging current based on temperature. If actual temperature of the cable is not measured, you can implement a virtual sensor in software which can estimate the cable temperature from other known temperatures and current draw history for example. Not perfect, but much better than what they did. It does take a lot longer though to implement such a solution than just changing default to 50%.

 

[daveo4EV]

my PMCC unit that was delivered with my 2021 Cayenne eHybrid - now currently on software version 3014 - so it's nerf'd to 20 amps

I've packed it up and it's now in storage for when I sell the Cayenne (2027'ish)

it's being replaced with a 6 year old 40 amp Tesla UMC Gen 1 (the 40 amp version that came with the Model S & X) and has replaceable NEMA plug adapters (barrel shaped adapters - not the new "pigtail adapters" of the Gen2 UMC) - it's rocking 40 amps to charge the Taycan - power supply cable never breaks 95F in testing…and unit does not shut down due to overheating.

the PMCC will no do paperweight duty (something it's excellent at given it's size & weight) - if Porsche decides to actually fix/replace/refund the units I'll unpack it and decided from there.

My other PMCC unit will be retired/stored once my new Tesla Wall J-1772 charger is delivered - then I'll have two PMCC units "in storage" and will be charging my Cayenne and Taycan and my Son's Tesla with non-Porsche chargers.

 

[Jhenson29]

For example, a simple adaptive algorithm which automatically throttles the charging current based on temperature.

If you’re thinking of integrating a real-time thermal model, I’m not sure it can change the current while running since the Timers work based on a calculated end time. The best I think it could do is something static based on ambient temperature.

IMO, the simplest solution comes in two parts to allow the car to be charged via the PMCC at 40 amps without worry for the cable or unit overheating.

First, Porsche needs to offer an OTA update to allow both charge ports to be used at the same time. This OTA update will be done at the dealer and will take one week. Unless it fails and then it’s anyone’s guess. But not to worry, you will have a lovely base Macan to occupy your driving.

The second part comes by allowing you to purchase (at retail) a second PMCC. This is super convenient to pick up because you are already at the dealership for the OTA anyway. Now, you can run two PMCC at the same time, each at 20A individually so they don’t have issues, but still charge together at 40A.

Problem solved. You’re welcome.

 

[daveo4EV]

If you’re thinking of integrating a real-time thermal model, I’m not sure it can change the current while running since the Timers work based on a calculated end time. The best I think it could do is something static based on ambient temperature.

IMO, the simplest solution comes in two parts to allow the car to be charged via the PMCC at 40 amps without worry for the cable or unit overheating.

First, Porsche needs to offer an OTA update to allow both charge ports to be used at the same time. This OTA update will be done at the dealer and will take one week. Unless it fails and then it’s anyone’s guess. But not to worry, you will have a lovely base Macan to occupy your driving.

The second part comes by allowing you to purchase (at retail) a second PMCC. This is super convenient to pick up because you are already at the dealership for the OTA anyway. Now, you can run two PMCC at the same time, each at 20A individually so they don’t have issues, but still charge together at 40A.

Problem solved. You’re welcome.

ummm - yeah - probably not.

single EVSE's that can run full out at 9.6 kW are not rocket science - the simplest solution is an actual 9.6 kW EVSE - there are numerous examples of functional and reliable 9.6 kW units from sources other than Porsche.

 

[Jhenson29]

ummm - yeah - probably not.

single EVSE's that can run full out at 9.6 kW are not rocket science - the simplest solution is an actual 9.6 kW EVSE - there are numerous examples of functional and reliable 9.6 kW units from sources other than Porsche.

What if the EVSE was being used to charge a rocket? Would that qualify as rocket science?

Dave, you even already have two PMCC. You should be the most on-board with my dual 20A PMCC plan.

Or….hear me out, I have another plan. This one’s a good one. I promise. And you can do it now without my suggested in-shop OTA.

Okay. So, just plug in one PMCC at 40A. Let it charge 10 min. Then…unplug it and plug the other one in at 40A for 10 min while you give the first one a rest.

Alternate and repeat.

This will help keep it cool while also solving the reset to 20A without you knowing issue because you’re always checking on it every 10min. The only issue is that the losses will go up by the square of the current, so I can’t guarantee a 50% duty cycle will be sufficient.

But…not to worry! This plan is super extensible. Just add more PMCC. How ever many it takes. 3. 4. Whatever. With 4, you’re only at a 25% duty cycle.

That’s two good ideas in one day. I’m spent.

 

[whitex]

First, Porsche needs to offer an OTA update to allow both charge ports to be used at the same time.

So I guess you prefer electrocution over a fire then.

 

[WasserGKuehlt]

So I guess you prefer electrocution over a fire then.

Well, ya - with electrocution burning to a crisp occurs _after_ death. (Too much?)

 

[RBGtaycan]

From my letter to Porsche after getting that dumb email that they want to reduce output and put a sticker on it:

I am extremely disappointed that Porsche’s answer to this issue is to significantly limit the capability of the unit.

It’s dumfounding that a great company such as Porsche takes that approach when they KNOW the correct approach is to replace the unit with one that is fully capable.

Your approach is equivalent to saying that adding a sticker on my car, and then reducing its horsepower, would “fix” a problem such as bad tires that have been found to have significantly reduced capability (e.g. cannot exceed 90 miles per hour.)

I know Porsche can do better.

It took Porsche 3 weeks to give me an answer, but this is what I got. Sounds corporate as hell - but who knows? Anyone else get a reply like this?​

​

Customer satisfaction is a top priority at Porsche and we are sorry to hear that we did not meet your expectations as a brand. I have documented your concerns and made them available for internal review. We thank you for offering us this opportunity to improve the Porsche ownership experience.​

 

[Dave T]

I just got my car back from the dealer, where they had It for a software update for the car. Took them a week and a half. And they had also asked, without explanation, for me to give them the PMCC too. And my PMCC did indeed get the dreaded update, and is now hamstrung to the 20 amp charging max. And I didn't even get a sticker (!). So I figured out how to change the max rate back to 40 amps, as has been discussed here. But I don't see how to disable It going to sleep. It does revert back to 20 amps after sleeping. How do I disable auto-sleep?

 

[kort]

It took Porsche 3 weeks to give me an answer, but this is what I got. Sounds corporate as hell - but who knows? Anyone else get a reply like this?​

​

Customer satisfaction is a top priority at Porsche and we are sorry to hear that we did not meet your expectations as a brand. I have documented your concerns and made them available for internal review. We thank you for offering us this opportunity to improve the Porsche ownership experience.​

you've entered the black hole, nothing will ever come of your letter.

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