Article menu
But not every car receives the OTA update immediately
Starting today, July 5th, there will be over-the-air updates for the electric cars of VW's ID family (OTA updates). Volkswagen is now explaining which conditions the car must meet and how they work. InsideEVs Italy and Nextmove are now reporting on this.
It was announced in March that the OTA updates should start this summer. Updating works in a similar way to installing a new version of the operating system on the smartphone: after a few entries on the touchscreen, you will find a new software version on your ID.3 or ID.4.
When VW releases an update, it is first downloaded automatically in the background. In the case of the first update (to software version 2.3), around 6.5 gigabytes are transferred. VW will pay the fees for this, as Nextmove has found out. Once the download is complete, when you leave the car, a screen will indicate that an update is ready to be installed:
More about the ID family: 
Volkswagen ID.Buzz caught with a production body for the first time
VW ID.3: More charging power with 45 and 58 kWh batteries
The installation apparently only starts when you leave the car. This process is run through twice with the first OTA update, the first part taking 40 minutes and the second several hours.
Picture gallery: VW starts with OTA updates
Software version 2.0 is required for the ID.3 for the OTA updates; the corresponding internal version code is 0792. If this version is displayed on the touchscreen in the system information, you can participate immediately. Otherwise you will be contacted by VW and will probably have to go to the workshop again first.
The first OTA update will be rolled out step-by-step starting today, July 5th, initially for the ID.3. The members of the First Mover Club (a closed Facebook group, which currently has around 3,300 members). All other ID.3 and ID.4 buyers (including ID.4 GTX) will follow step by step. There should be a major update about every three months, and minor improvements can also be made in between.
The improvements of the first OTA update include expanded functionality of the ID. Light, an optimized environment recognition and dynamic high beam control, an improved usability and design adjustments of the infotainment system as well as performance and stability improvements.
Stefan Moeller from Nextmove reports more details in a video. Stefan also tries out the new remote navigation and checks whether the necessary charging stops are sensibly planned:
Last but not least, the aim of the OTA updates is new digital business models: In future, VW also wants to earn money from the sale of additional functions that are activated by the car owner after the vehicle has been purchased.
Related articles
-
VW starts with over-the-air updates for all ID.models
The basis for new business models and additional sales … The fact that car software updates no longer have to be time-consuming and costly when…
-
VW ID.3 and ID.4 will receive regular over-the-air updates from summer
Software improvements planned every three months VW ID.3 and ID.4 can now receive new functions and updates in Europe via W-LAN or the cellular network….
-
Official: VW ID.5 starts in the second half of 2021 (update)
The ID.4 GTX will also compete in 2021 At the end of January, VW announced the market launch of three new electric models: In addition to the regular…
-
Skoda Enyaq Coupe: First pictures of the rear and trunk (update)
Coupe-like version of the Enyaq will start in early 2022 The Skoda Enyaq iV has been on the market since April, and a coupe-like body variant will follow…
-
Opel Astra (2021): First information and pictures of the new generation
Electrified or really electric? Opel sticks to the unclear wording Opel shows first pictures of the new generation of Astra. The compact model is to be…
-
Cupra Born: First teaser pictures and video of the series version
The ID.3 equivalent also adopts the controls from the VW model The Cupra Born, the new version of the VW ID.3 from the Spanish sports brand of the VW…
-
Ford E-Transit: First European practical tests from late summer 2021
Then the first electric vans should come to customers as prototypes The first European practical tests with the new E-Transit are scheduled for late…
-
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N caught as Erlkonig for the first time
There are a few tell-tale signs that this is indeed the N-model … It looks like the Ioniq is 5 the first electric Hyundai, which will carry the sporty…
-
Ora Cat: First electric car from the Great Wall brand will start in 2022
We took a closer look at the rounded compact car at a sneak preview Ora is the currency of a quasi-autonomous Boer republic in South Africa, the name of…
-
Microlino 2.0 in the first seat test: Small but nice?
The chic Neo-Isetta is due to launch in the first markets in 2021 When my uncle (86 years old) took the first pictures of the Microlino 2.0 saw he was…
