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Skoda is giving its Enyaq iV electric models the latest software update initiated by Volkswagen. Called ME3.0, this improves charging power, limits battery charging to 80% and allows better heating of the latter.
Like our smartphones, which regularly benefit from remote updates — or over the air (OTA) in English — today’s modern vehicles, especially electric ones, are no exception.
Skoda has just announced the availability of the new software update for its Enyaq iV electric models based on the common MEB platform, used by the entire Volkswagen group. Baptized ME3.0 at the Czech manufacturer, it is the replica of the E3.0 software update from Volkswagen and incorporates new patches.
This new software, already native on the new Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV, whose production has just started, will also be implemented on all new Enyaq iV to come.
The update increases the charging power of the Enyaq 58 kWh version (net capacity) to 120 kW (peak), and even 135 kW for the 77 kWh version (net capacity). Only difference compared to the ID models. from Volkswagen, the shorter charging time from Skoda. Thus, it takes 35 min to reach 80% for the Czech manufacturer, against 29 min for Volkswagen.
Another improvement of the ME3.0 relates to the conservation of the battery. From the central touchscreen, users can activate the 80% battery charge limit. This will reduce the direct current (DC) charging speed and maximum charging power to avoid power spikes, just like Eco mode on a smartphone. These measures are intended to “preserve the battery and extend its life”.
Finally, the preheating of the battery has been improved, so that it is faster and maintained as long as possible during the charging time. On the other hand, Skoda does not communicate on the autonomy (WLTP cycle), which could have increased following this new update. This is the case at Volkswagen which announces a gain of 50 km of autonomy.
Among other changes, the route planner displays the final destination as well as the necessary charging stops. It allows the addition of an alternative charging station on the defined route. Finally, at each recharging stop, the remaining capacity and the charging time are indicated.
The instrument cluster or Digital Cockpit, where the battery level is displayed, now provides information on the capacity in the form of a percentage, as is practiced in the Nordic countries. In the near future, the head-up system — head up display (HUD) in English — will also display the charge level.
As for the “old” Enyaq iVs already delivered, these are also beginning to benefit from this new software update. On the other hand, their owners have the obligation to go to a dealership of the mark. You will have to be patient since 5 hours are needed to install the ME3.0 software. But let us be reassured since subsequent updates will be carried out – in large part – remotely.