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Volkswagen and Skoda plan to add manually activated battery preheating to older ID.4, ID.5 and Enyaq EVs through software updates beginning in the second half of November 2027. The rollout will be staged, and some cars need an earlier software update or an authorized service-center visit before they can receive the feature.
Volkswagen and Skoda will begin rolling out software that adds manual battery preheating to older ID.4, ID.5 and Enyaq electric vehicles in the second half of November 2027. The update is intended for models made from 2020 to 2024, with roughly 200,000 Enyaqs and additional Volkswagen vehicles in line to receive it in stages.
The update addresses a limitation in the earliest versions of these electric crossovers: their high-voltage batteries could not be preconditioned for fast charging. In cold weather, a battery that is too cold may accept less power from a DC fast charger, potentially extending charging stops. Models from 2024 onward already have automatic battery preconditioning, according to the report, and are not the target of this retrofit update.
For the Enyaq, the new feature is included in software version 3.9, alongside security updates, a fix for the Online Connectivity Unit and a revised welcome screen that no longer requires confirmation to finish starting. Cars already running version 3.8 will be prompted to install the update over the air. Vehicles on older software may need version 3.8 first; cars running version 2.x must visit an authorized service center for the necessary software work.
Volkswagen’s corresponding update for the ID.4 and ID.5 is version 3.9.1. The report says it also improves electric door-handle reliability and AC charging. The rollout will proceed in waves: the first Enyaqs are expected to receive the update from the second half of November, with another group following about two weeks later. The source describes the broader eligible fleet as more than 200,000 vehicles, but does not give a combined total broken down by model.
Cold-Weather Charging Gains
Battery preheating can help owners make better use of DC fast chargers in cold conditions. A battery closer to its suitable operating temperature can accept more charging power than a cold one, although the update does not guarantee a particular charging speed or stop duration. The practical benefit will depend on the battery’s starting temperature, the charger and other conditions.
The feature has been available on newer versions of the models, but owners of early vehicles have lacked a built-in way to prepare the battery for fast charging. Bringing it to older cars through software may improve winter charging without requiring owners to use unofficial workarounds. It also comes with a planning requirement: the process takes time, so drivers may need to activate it well before reaching a charger.
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A Software Gap in Early Models
The first ID.4 and Enyaq vehicles entered production in 2020. According to the source report, early versions did not offer battery preconditioning for fast charging, while newer model years gained automatic preconditioning from 2024 onward. The ID.5 is included in the update for older vehicles as well.
Before the official update, some owners reportedly used do-it-yourself approaches involving a custom microcontroller or diagnostic equipment and an OBD programming app to activate battery heating. The new software provides a manufacturer-supported manual control instead. For the Enyaq, the control appears on a new infotainment screen; the battery’s current temperature is also displayed.
Eligibility and Rollout Details
The report does not provide a complete model-by-model count of eligible vehicles or a schedule for every market and individual owner. It also does not specify whether all cars within the 2020–2024 range qualify regardless of equipment or regional software configuration. Owners should check the update notification or contact an authorized service center to confirm the route for their vehicle.
The source says battery heating takes about 30 to 40 minutes to bring the battery toward roughly 77°F (25°C), but actual time may vary with starting conditions. It is not yet clear from the report whether every vehicle will show identical temperature information or receive the update on the same timetable.
Owners Await Staged Updates
The first Enyaq updates are scheduled to start in the second half of November 2027, with another rollout wave about two weeks later. Volkswagen and Skoda owners should watch for an in-car update prompt and confirm which software version their vehicle currently runs. Enyaq owners on version 2.x should expect a service-center visit rather than relying on an over-the-air installation alone.
After installation, drivers can activate battery heating through the infotainment system when the battery is below the stated temperature threshold. Because the heating cycle may take 30 to 40 minutes, owners planning a cold-weather fast-charge stop will need to allow time for it. The report does not give a final date by which all eligible vehicles will have received the update.
Key Questions
Which vehicles are expected to get battery preheating?
The update is intended for older Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq vehicles made from 2020 to 2024. The report says models from 2024 onward already have automatic preconditioning, though owners should verify eligibility for their specific vehicle.
When will the software update arrive?
The rollout is scheduled to begin in the second half of November 2027. It will happen in waves, with another Enyaq group expected about two weeks after the first. A complete end date is not provided.
Will the battery preheating turn on automatically?
No. The new feature for these older vehicles is described as manually activated from a screen in the infotainment system. The control is active only when the battery is below 68°F (20°C), according to Skoda project manager Jiří Vlček.
How long does battery preheating take?
The report says heating the battery toward roughly 77°F (25°C) can take about 30 to 40 minutes. The time may vary depending on the battery’s starting temperature and other conditions.
Do all eligible cars receive the update over the air?
Not necessarily. Enyaqs on version 3.8 are expected to receive an over-the-air prompt, while some vehicles need an earlier software update first. Cars running version 2.x require a visit to an authorized service center, according to the report.
Source: insideevs.com
