This update will add driver assistance features and solve problems with the infotainment
An increase in charging rate will be seen on some models
The update will be available starting in April
Volkswagen is working on a big update for its ID range of electric vehicles that will see new features being added to the vehicles, while some bugs are taken out of the infotainment system.
This is a very large update, since it contains elements that are related to many of the vehicles major systems, such as its battery, its infotainment and its driver assistance systems.
One of the most important additions will be the improved Travel Assist functions, which will now be able to switch lanes autonomously and adapt its speed to the changing limits without input from the driver, as well as being capable of operating on roads with a single lane marking.
In order to help with parking, a Park Assist function will be added. This system will be able to park the vehicle in a parallel spot at speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h) and into perpendicular spaces at speeds up to 12 mph (19 km/h). In order to make everyday use easier, the system will be able to remember some parking spaces.
Due to improvements in the battery’s thermal management, the vehicles equipped with a 77-kWh battery will be able to charge at 135 kWh instead of the previous rate that was capped at 125 kWh. This change will also limit the impact of cold weather on the vehicle’s range.
Inside, many changes will be made to the vehicle’s systems, notably its infotainment system. The update will take care of some bugs that have been present on the vehicles since they first went on sale, but it will also add new features. For example, the smart e-route planner is an application that will take into account traffic and road closures in order to plan the most efficient route possible for longer trips, as well as selecting the best charging stations to use by favoring those with the highest charging rates.
The infotainment system’s voice controls will also be improved enough to be able to understand around 95% of the commands it is given. The revised augmented reality head up display completes the list of changes that will be made the the ID vehicles when it is released over-the-air starting in April.
