VW brings battery preconditioning per update to older ID.-models
Image: VW
VW has announced ID. Software 3.9.1 for older electric vehicles in its ID. series. This over-the-air update is intended for vehicles with software version 3.x and includes improvements in charging, battery management, and system reliability. The most significant new feature is the manually activatable pre-conditioning of the high-voltage battery before DC fast charging. Deployment will occur gradually, initially reaching a limited number of suitable electric vehicles.
With the new software, drivers can selectively preheat the high-voltage battery through the charging menu before a fast charging stop. This is intended to enable higher charging speeds, especially at low temperatures, as lithium-ion batteries only achieve their optimal charging performance within a specific temperature range. The feature does not increase the technically permissible maximum charging speed but aims to improve its utilization under unfavorable temperature conditions. VW does not provide specific figures regarding potential reductions in charging time.
In addition, VW is revising the automatic temperature management system for the high-voltage battery. The software adjusts the battery temperature based on driving behavior and ensures more effective cooling after DC fast charging sessions. According to the manufacturer, these changes can optimize energy consumption and range while preventing premature battery degradation. VW has not yet provided specific figures for improvements in consumption, range, or battery life.
Further changes relate to charging with alternating current (AC) and monitoring the high-voltage battery. An unexpected drop in AC charging performance that occurs in rare cases is intended to be reduced through automatic stabilization. A problem with solar surplus charging, where the charging process would not resume properly after a pause using certain wallboxes, is also fixed. Additionally, the software monitors the battery for abnormally high self-discharge and prompts a VW service partner to conduct a check if such issues are detected.
VW has also revised several comfort features and error messages. The welcome screen will now disappear automatically after five seconds, while warnings related to child safety locks will be hidden once the issue is resolved. Additionally, a false warning about low refrigerant levels has been corrected, and electrical door handles have been improved, especially under changing weather conditions. The update also includes security-related updates and is, according to VW, a requirement for receiving future over-the-air updates.
The ID. Software 3.9.1 release is intended for vehicles that already have at least version 3.7 installed. Owners of older software versions should first apply available updates and contact a VW partner if no update options are available. Installation requires, among other things, consent for the over-the-air method and a battery charge level of at least 50 percent.
In some specific vehicle modifications, installation via cellular networks may not be possible. Since newer software generations starting from version 4 cannot be transferred to older ID. models due to changed hardware, VW now provides manual battery preconditioning with version 3.9.1 within the existing software architecture.
Have you discovered any errors? Please let us know
by email
Thanks for that!
Also interesting
About the author
Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions on ecomento.de. Learn more.
Reader interactions