This evening, while browsing the “Hyundai Ioniq 6” Facebook group, I came across an interesting post by Harris K. He recently upgraded his 12V battery charging system, only to encounter an unexpected and frustrating issue. He describes the problem in his own words:
"Since doing the recent 12V battery charging upgrade, I've been getting this very annoying dialog box when charging: 'You're using accessories, the car will turn off in 5 minutes,' etc. Well, it's cold outside, and I run the heater while charging, sometimes even the radio! What are these folks thinking? Are others seeing this new behavior? Of course, you cannot start the car (put it in ready mode) while charging."
This issue raises concerns for many Ioniq 6 owners who rely on climate control and other functions while their EV is plugged in. As winter conditions set in, the need to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature during charging sessions becomes crucial. Unfortunately, Hyundai’s system seems to be preventing users from doing so.
Owners Share Their Frustrations and Workarounds
Harris K is not alone in facing this issue. Other Ioniq 6 owners chimed in on his post, offering both complaints and potential solutions.
David Williams suggests a straightforward fix: "Just leave your car turned on when charging, no need to turn off and run in accessory mode."
Alfred Chalhoub emphasizes the importance of avoiding accessory mode altogether: "Get out of Accessories mode. That’s where you deplete your 12V battery. Either switch to Utility mode to run the heat or radio or keep the car on."
Chew Wei has also encountered a similar problem, noting: "I have this issue as well after the 12V battery charging upgrade. This message appears when I’m charging the car and trying to turn on the air conditioner. It shows up regardless of whether the car is turned on or off when I plug in the charging cable. The air conditioner and lights turn off automatically after a few minutes if the car is plugged into the charger and I try to turn on the lights or climate function. The car will not turn on when I step on the pedal and press the start button, and the accessory mode is disabled. The car won’t allow the climate function to work while it’s plugged into a charger. The message went away after a few days."
This suggests that the issue could be temporary for some, but it remains a significant inconvenience for others.
Why This Happens and What You Can Do
Hyundai’s software appears to restrict the use of climate control and accessories while the car is plugged in. This could be a built-in protection mechanism to prevent unnecessary energy drain or potential damage to the 12V system. However, for those in cold climates, this restriction poses a real problem.
One possible workaround, as mentioned by other users, is to use Utility Mode instead of Accessory Mode. Utility Mode allows you to run essential functions without fully starting the car, preventing the shutdown message. If that doesn’t work, leaving the car turned on while charging might be another solution.
The Bigger Picture: How Hyundai’s Approach Affects EV Owners
This issue brings up larger concerns about electric vehicle battery management and software updates that alter user experiences. Hyundai has been making significant advancements in EV technology, as seen in the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited LR AWD, which is an excellent choice for the right buyer. However, unexpected software limitations like this can be frustrating for owners.
For those worried about long-term EV usability, an electric car battery degradation study suggests that batteries are more durable than many expect. However, issues like restricted functionality during charging highlight the need for more user-friendly software solutions.
Future Solutions: What Hyundai Should Consider
With growing competition in the EV market, Hyundai should consider refining its software to allow users greater control over their vehicles while charging. Perhaps future updates will introduce a smart climate mode that enables heating and cooling without triggering shutdown messages. Additionally, given that EV battery makers are promising faster charging times, the inconvenience of extended charging sessions may soon be less of an issue.
Another consideration for Ioniq 6 owners is to ensure their **ICCU recall work is completed as soon as possible, **this has been a major concern for many Hyundai EV drivers. Getting this service done promptly may prevent other unexpected electrical issues.
The Moral of the Story
As EV technology advances, manufacturers must balance energy conservation with user convenience. Hyundai's restrictive approach to climate control while charging may be well-intentioned, but it highlights the need for more adaptable software. Listening to customer feedback and providing updates that address real-world concerns is crucial for building brand loyalty in the EV space.
For now, if you own an Ioniq 6 and experience this issue, consider using Utility Mode, leaving the car on, or waiting to see if the problem resolves itself after a few days, as some users have reported.
Have You Experienced This Issue?
- Have you encountered this shutdown message while charging your Hyundai Ioniq 6? How did you resolve it?
- Do you think Hyundai should release a software update to fix this issue, or do you agree with their energy-saving approach?
Please, share your experiences in the comments below.
Image references, ChatGPT, and Hyundai Press.
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.
Comments
How do you come up with a…
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How do you come up with a headline that is never mentioned in the article?
It was an editorial issue…
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In reply to How do you come up with a… by Turtle (not verified)
It was an editorial issue. Thanks to your comment, we fixed it. Thank you for reading Torque News and sorry about that.
Bro that means you’re in…
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Bro that means you’re in accessory mode which uses 12v not the main battery.
Hold brake hit the start button.
I just did the recall for…
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I just did the recall for the ICCU. Multiple recharges at -20 Celsius while I remain behind the wheel and with the vehicle running. Never had any notice like that.
Dumbest EV story ever. …
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Simply leave the car ON while charging. If you are in utility mode the car pulls electricity from the 12 V starter battery and could drain it. Same as leaving your light on in a gas car if the car is in utility mode.
Turn the car on... No…
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Turn the car on... No problems.