OTA software updates bring faster charging, new tech to Volkswagen ID models

March 22, 2022April 2, 2022 Toby Hagon 3113 Views Volkswagen

Volkswagen has given an idea of the improvements and upgrades owners can expect for the all-electric ID models that are eventually expected to go on sale in Australia with a major over-the-air software update.

Volkswagen announced the Software 3.0 update for the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 in a move that mimics that pioneered by EV brand Tesla. It’s unclear if or when the software updates could be rolled out to other Volkswagen Group products that share the MEB electric architecture; they include the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Audi Q4 e-Tron.

The new software steps up the maximum DC charge rate on cars fitted with the larger 77kWh battery from 125kW to 135kW, in turn reducing the time to charge when using fast public chargers (Volkswagen hasn’t detailed the potential reduction in charge times).

The company has also included a Battery Care Mode, which limits the maximum state of charge to 80 percent; many lithium-ion batteries can degrade faster if regularly topped up to 100 percent SOC.

It also revises the layout of some menus in the main infotainment screen, including the one that looks after charging.

Plus, the navigation now includes “smart e-route planner”, which takes into account charging speeds and locations to reduce the time on the road during a long trip. Volkswagen says that “as a result, the route planning may suggest two short charging processes with high power instead of a single long process with low power”.

Software generation 3.0 for the Volkswagen ID family — The Volkswagen ID family of electric vehicles includes the ID.4 GTX, ID.4, ID.3, ID.5 und ID.5 GTX

The navigation can also determine which lane the car is travelling in on a freeway, in turn recommending the driver change lanes ahead of an exit.

The new software even broadens the scope of the optional head-up display, with new information projected on a virtual space above the bonnet.

Volkswagen says it is in “close contact” with its ID customers via the ID Drivers Club as a way of getting direct feedback.

“Many of them wanted the percentage information,” says Silke Bagschik, CMO of the ID. Digital project unit regarding the display of the remaining battery charge. “So we made it happen.”

There are also improvements to the voice activation and partially autonomous Park Assist function, the latter now able to learn routes into or out of a driveway.

“The new ID. Software 3.0 is an upgrade for our whole ID. family: we are taking our products to a new level of functionality because we are working faster, are more connected and are more customer-oriented,” says Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand, responsible for Technical Development.

“Again, we are living up to our claim of offering high-quality technologies and innovations in all classes.”

The Software 3.0 update for ID models will be rolled out “in the near future”.

It’s representative of a digital-focused change sweeping through the car industry.

Car makers have traditionally kept new features and functions for model updates, using them to tempt buyers into a newer car.

But that model is fast changing, with buyers now expecting tech updates and improvements throughout a car’s life.

Volkswagen has also previously flagged its intention to make some new or upgrade features an added-cost item as part of a planned subscription program.