Volkswagen announces versions 2.4 and 3.0 of the main software for electric models in its ID range. The new features concern charging power as well as autonomous parking or voice recognition. Iteration 3.1 is already in the boxes.
In recent years, electronic control units – or ECU (Electronic Control Unit) – have become more and more numerous and manage more and more functions on board cars. Formerly confined to injection adjustment and a handful of electronic systems, these computers now ensure the operation of the steering, driving aids, certain comfort equipment, sometimes lighting and even the entire powertrain for 100% electric vehicles. Their development is linked to that of electrified, autonomous and connected vehicles. This last aspect allows remote updates (OTA) of the software that controls these ECUs. Driven by Tesla, this process is now widespread, especially on the side of “zero emission” cars, especially at Volkswagen. The German manufacturer has just announced the next software innovations for its ID models.
Software ID. 3.0
Volkswagen’s MEB platform has two main computers named ICAS (In-Car Application Server) 1 and 2, as well as thirty-five ECUs that can be updated remotely. For security reasons, however, the manufacturer avoids OTA operations for certain elements such as steering. The ID. 3 inaugurated the ID software. 1.0; the ID. 4 brought version 2.0; the deployment of the 3.0 software will follow closely the launch of the ID. 5. Downloading and installing it will take several hours. Here is what it will bring:
- increased maximum battery charging power to 77 kWh (135 kW from 125 kW previously);
- improved thermal management of the battery (autonomy, recharge time);
- improved voice recognition (more precision, new functions such as opening the panoramic roof);
- improved performance of Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane change assistance);
- activation of Park Assist Plus (identification of parking spaces and autonomous manoeuvres);
- memory function for Park Assist Plus (saves up to five different parking maneuvers carried out by the driver so that they can be reproduced independently later);
- new information on the optional head-up display;
- improved performance of the optional navigation system;
- improved multi-stop route planning.
Volkswagen is already working on version 3.1 and on new features, such as the possibility of using an ID model as an energy source in order to recharge another.
Software ID. 2.4
To be able to benefit from the 3.0 software, owners of Volkswagen ID models will first need to install version 2.4, which will be offered from April 2022. This will require replacement of the 12V battery dedicated to accessories with a new model. This visit to the workshop, nicknamed “pit stop” by the manufacturer, will be free for customers.
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