Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen reveals Software 3.0 update for electric ID. models

New update includes driver assistance and improved charging capacity for VW’s ID cars

Volkswagen’s all-electric range of ID. models have been given a new software update, intended to improve charging capabilities as well introducing new driver assistance technology. 

When VW launched the ID.3 in 2020, customers had to visit dealerships to receive new software updates. Over-the-air updates arrived last year, however, and now Volkswagen has used this capability to announce its biggest ID. software update yet: Software 3.0.

One of the key new features introduced with the 3.0 software is new “Travel Assist with Swarm Data” capability. This allows for assisted lane changing up to speeds of 56mph. There’s also a new Park Assist function which can identify parking spaces and take full control of the car for low-speed parking manoeuvres. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s also an enhanced version of this technology available, called Park Assist Plus. This can memorise frequent parking spaces. Up to five common spaces can be saved, enabling faster autonomous parking in frequent spots. 

The optional ‘augmented reality head up display’ has been tweaked to include additional information, and new symbols such as roundabouts. On the driver’s screen, the state of charge is now displayed as a percentage next to a battery icon showing the charge level. 

Volkswagen ID. cars equipped with the 77kWh battery can now charge at a maximum rate of 135kw - up from the previous maximum of 125Kw. And there’s a new mode to prolong the life of the battery called ‘Battery Care Mode’ -  setting the charging limit to 80 per cent. 

Volkswagen says the update will be free of charge via an over-the-air update as of Q2, although it has not specified which of these new features will be available on certain ID. models. 

Check out the best electric cars to buy now…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
28 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025
Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept: entry-level ID.1 EV will ‘still feel like a Volkswagen’
Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept - front action

Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept: entry-level ID.1 EV will ‘still feel like a Volkswagen’

The Volkswagen ID.1 will arrive in 2027 and look to start below £20,000
News
23 Apr 2025
Volkswagen to extend its range with range-extender PHEVs for Europe
Volkswagen Touareg - front cornering

Volkswagen to extend its range with range-extender PHEVs for Europe

EV-lite range-extender technology could prolong the shelf-life of Volkswagen’s petrol engine offerings to 2030 and beyond
News
23 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025