Volkswagen and Skoda are adding manual battery preheating to older electric vehicles through software updates announced on November 5. Skoda says the rollout covers about 200,000 Enyaqs built through 2023, while Volkswagen’s ID. Software 3.9.1 brings the feature to the older ID.4 and other ID models still on the 3.x software branch.
Preheating warms the battery before a DC fast-charging stop so it can accept more power in cold weather. Unlike newer Enyaqs, the updated older cars will not start heating automatically through navigation.
Skoda’s First Updates Begin on November 16
Skoda says the first update will begin reaching eligible cars between November 16 and 22, followed by software 3.9 beginning the week of November 30. Distribution of these software updates will continue in waves. Cars already on software 3.8 need both: the first prepares the car for the preheating function, the second adds it.
Owners on software 3.8 receive the updates through the car. Earlier 3.x versions must first update to 3.8, while cars anywhere on 2.x will require a service visit.
After the update, a “Start battery heating” button appears in the charging menu when the battery is below 68°F (20°C). Skoda says the battery can reach about 77°F (25°C) in 30 to 40 minutes, depending on conditions, and recommends starting the process approximately 45 minutes before a fast-charging stop. Slower AC charging does not require it. Skoda gave no figures for how much faster a preheated Enyaq charges compared with a cold one.
Enyaqs running software 4 or later already activate preheating when a driver selects a fast charger as a navigation destination. Software 3.9 does not include that automatic function.
Volkswagen’s Update Also Improves Door Handles and Charging
Volkswagen’s German software page lists ID. Software 3.9.1 for older ID vehicles with features beyond manual preheating. The update improves battery temperature control after fast charging, addresses occasional AC charging-power drops and makes the electric door handles more reliable in changing weather. Volkswagen says the handles can malfunction in the wet without it, and that a service partner will contact owners after the update for further adjustments. Door handles also put nearly 100,000 US ID.4s under a recall in September 2024.
The update also checks the battery for unusually high self-discharge and warns drivers with a yellow light if a workshop inspection is needed. Volkswagen says only a few batteries will need the check. The release note does not say whether this is the self-discharge detection software that a January recall of 43,881 US ID.4s required, which Volkswagen told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would have warned ahead of at least three battery incidents.
Volkswagen says the over-the-air rollout requires a VW Connect or We Connect agreement and data consent, and that installing 3.9.1 is a condition for receiving any future over-the-air update. The German owners’ site ID.Community reports that distribution starts with cars already on software 3.7 or later, and that cars on the 4.x, 5.x or 6.x branches get separate updates.
Volkswagen has not confirmed whether the update will reach U.S.-market ID.4s. The German announcement only outlines the European rollout, leaving American owners without a confirmed release date. Volkswagen stopped building the ID.4 in Chattanooga in April, so every US car that would qualify is already built.
EVXL’s Take
This gives owners a useful winter charging feature without requiring them to buy a newer EV. The drawback is having to remember to switch it on about 45 minutes before stopping, rather than letting navigation handle it.
Some people might need to wait for cold enough weather, but as soon as winter arrives we will be able to see how much this update actually changes charging times in the cold. U.S. ID.4 owners, meanwhile, still need Volkswagen to confirm whether their cars qualify.
Sources: Skoda, Volkswagen, ID.Community.
EVXL uses automated tools to support research and source retrieval. All reporting is by Damien Kesteloo, edited by Haye Kesteloo.
