The Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.4 models from 2020-2024 will receive battery heating via OTA.
Volkswagen and Skoda are adding manual battery preheating for fast charging to the earliest models of the Enyaq, ID.4, and ID.5, namely those produced between 2020 and 2024. The over-the-air update will begin in the second half of November and will affect over 200,000 vehicles. Owners have been waiting for this update since the launch of these models, as cold batteries received significantly less power during DC charging in winter, prolonging charging times.
Models from 2024 onward come with factory-installed automatic battery preconditioning for charging, so they are not covered by this change.
Media button activated below 20°C
The new function operates only manually. A separate virtual screen with a button will appear in the multimedia system. According to Jiří Vlček, the project manager for online updates at Skoda, the button becomes active only when the battery temperature drops below 20°C. The software also displays the current battery temperature, so it’s immediately clear whether there’s anything to warm up at all.
After pressing the button, the battery gradually warms up to around 25°C, which takes 30-40 minutes. Manufacturers therefore recommend turning on the heating ahead of time on the way to a fast charger, as a warmer battery can accept higher power levels and shorten the charging time.
Vlček explains why it took so long: “From the user’s perspective, heating the battery is a very simple function, but for us it means interfering with the three most important vehicle controllers: the vehicle controller, the battery controller, and the multimedia system. This imposes huge demands on implementation and comprehensive testing to ensure the update works properly.”
So far, some owners have handled it on their own. They turned on the heating manually using a self-built microcontroller or an OBD diagnostic dongle with a programming app. Since it worked with such modifications, the hardware allowed it from the start.
Enyaq receives version 3.9, ID.4 and ID.5 get version 3.9.1
In the Skoda Enyaq, heating is available with software version 3.9. The package also includes a new welcome screen that no longer requires driver confirmation for the system to fully activate. In addition, there are safety improvements and a patch for the OCU (Online Connectivity Unit) communication module. Approximately 200,000 Enyaqs are set to receive this update in waves: the first vehicles in the second half of November, with another batch following two weeks later.
The process depends on the version you have in your car. With software version 3.8, the car will automatically suggest an internet-based installation. Older versions (but not those from the 2.x series) must first upgrade to 3.8, which prepares the car for the new feature. In cars with version 2.x, the update can only be installed by an authorized service center.
The Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 receive the same updates with the ID. Software 3.9.1 version, which also improves the reliability of electric door handles and AC charging.
From the editorial team: Owners with 2.x software should schedule a service visit before the cold sets in, as updates won’t be available over the internet for them, and without it the heating button won’t appear.
Source: InsideEVs
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