Older Volkswagen ID. Models Get Battery Preconditioning Over the Air
Volkswagen is rolling out ID. Software 3.9.1, an over-the-air update that gives older ID. models manual battery preconditioning before DC fast charging. The feature has been missing on early cars since launch. The update covers ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and early ID. Buzz vehicles on software generation 3, electrive reported on 6 November, citing the official ID. Drivers Club.
Key takeaways
- The update adds a button to warm the battery before a fast-charging stop.
- It targets ID.4 and ID.5 built before October 2023, ID.3 built up to 2024 and early ID. Buzz.
- Older Skoda Enyaq model years are getting the same function, InsideEVs reported.
- Cars need at least software 3.7 and an active connected-services contract.
Which cars qualify
The update is for cars running software generation 3.x. That means the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 built before October 2023, the Volkswagen ID.3 built up to 2024 and the first ID. Buzz vans. Later cars run generations 4.x and 5.x, which already include preconditioning; those versions cannot be installed on older cars. InsideEVs reported that early examples of the Skoda Enyaq, which shares the MEB platform, are included too.
Cars must already run at least version 3.7, so some will need an intermediate update first. Owners also need an active VW Connect or We Connect contract and must consent to data transmission. The high-voltage battery has to be charged to at least 50 per cent before installation starts, and the car can be neither driven nor charged while the update runs. Volkswagen will release the software gradually and gave no fixed start date.
What the update changes
The main addition is a manual preconditioning function in the infotainment system. It heats the battery to the right temperature for DC charging before the car reaches the charger. That matters most in winter, when a cold battery can sharply limit charging power. Volkswagen gave no kW figures or time savings.
The thermal management has also been revised. It now follows driving behaviour more closely and cools the battery more effectively after a fast-charging session, which Volkswagen says helps preserve it. Other changes include:
- detection and stabilisation of AC charging sessions where power drops unexpectedly;
- more reliable restarts of solar surplus charging with smart wallboxes such as the Smartfox Pro Charger;
- better reliability of the electric door handles in changing weather;
- a warning if the battery shows unusually high self-discharge.
What it means for owners
Owners of affected cars should install 3.9.1 when it appears, because Volkswagen says it is a prerequisite for receiving future OTA updates. The new button is most useful on winter trips, and our guide to electric car range in winter explains why battery temperature matters so much.
Sources
- electrive: Volkswagen introduces battery preconditioning for older ID. models (6 Nov 2026) (accessed 12 Nov 2026)
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