Announcing the software update via the official ID. Drivers Club, VW stated that 3.9.1 software will be shortly be distributed as an over-the-air (OTA) update. It targets vehicles with software generation 3.x, primarily including ID.4 and ID.5 models built before October 2023, ID.3 models built up to 2024, and early units of the ID. Buzz. According to a report by InsideEVs, older models of the Škoda Enyaq will also receive the update. Later model years of these vehicles were equipped with newer software generations that offer more features than generation 3.x.
The new preconditioning feature in version 3.9.1 enables the battery to reach an optimal temperature for DC fast charging before arriving at a charging station. At low ambient temperatures, a cold battery can significantly limit charging power. By preheating the battery, the available charging power can be utilised more effectively, potentially reducing charging time. The new function is activated via an additional interface in the infotainment system.
In contrast, the newer software generations 4.x and 5.x, which are not available for older model years, have already included preconditioning for some time. In compatible vehicles, this feature can be automatically activated based on navigation to a charging point or started manually.
In addition to the new preconditioning feature, Volkswagen has revised the thermal management of the high-voltage battery in software version 3.9.1. This aims to adjust the battery temperature more closely to driving behaviour. After a DC fast-charging session, the battery will also be cooled more effectively, improving battery preservation.
Further changes affect AC charging and PV surplus charging. In certain cases, AC charging power could unexpectedly drop during a charging session. The new software is designed to detect such situations and stabilise charging power. Additionally, the interaction with intelligent wallboxes has been improved: after an interruption in PV surplus charging, the charging process should resume more reliably. Volkswagen cites the Smartfox Pro Charger as an example.
The electric door handles have also been tweaked to improve their reliability under varying weather conditions. Additionally, enhanced monitoring of the high-voltage battery has been introduced in order to detect unusually high self-discharge and issue a corresponding warning message. Other minor adjustments include updates to the infotainment welcome screen and the display of certain warning messages.
The rollout of ID. Software 3.9.1 is set to begin shortly and will be implemented gradually. According to the ID. Drivers Club, the update requires at least software version 3.7. Vehicles with older versions may need to be updated to a newer version first. The OTA download also requires an active VW-Connect or We Connect contract and the necessary consent for data transmission. Installation requires the high-voltage battery to have a charge level of at least 50 per cent. During the update, the vehicle cannot be driven or charged. Volkswagen also notes that the new version is a prerequisite for receiving future OTA updates.
volkswagen.de (DE), idcommunity.net (DE), insideevs.com (Škoda Enyaq)
