Škoda Enyaq models built from the start of production until around the end of 2023 can now get battery pre-heating through a software update. The manufacturer says the feature significantly speeds up fast charging at lower outside temperatures. About 200,000 vehicles are affected, and the update will roll out in waves.

Until now, battery pre-heating was only available on Enyaq models built from around the turn of 2023 and 2024. Those cars run the so-called UNECE software, with a version number starting with 4 or higher. Škoda is now adding the function retroactively to earlier cars. They get it through software version 3.9.

This matters because many owners of earlier Enyaqs have been charging in cold weather without it. On most modern EVs, pre-conditioning the battery before a DC fast-charging stop is one of the most effective ways to keep winter charging times down.

How the update reaches the car

The path to version 3.9 depends on the software the car is running now:

  • Version 3.8: the car offers the update automatically.
  • Other 3.x versions: the car must first be updated online to 3.8, then to 3.9.
  • Version 2.x: the update to 3.8 has to be done at an authorised service centre.

From version 3.8, two separate updates are needed. The first prepares the car for battery pre-heating, and the second adds the function itself.

“The update affects approximately 200,000 vehicles, and to ensure a smooth rollout, it will be made available in waves,” explains Jiří Vlček, project manager for online updates.

According to Škoda, the first cars should get the first update from calendar week 47 and the second from week 49. More waves will follow for other vehicles. Owners whose car is not yet offering the update will need to wait their turn.

The way to check the software version in the car varies between Enyaq variants. The MyŠkoda app works the same way for all models: open the Inspect tab, select Car details and look at the Car software line.

Manual activation in the infotainment system

The update adds a new screen called Optimising rapid charging. You find it in the charging section of the infotainment system, under the Optimise tab. It has a button for starting battery heating manually.

“The button is active only when the battery temperature is below 20 °C. Once pressed, the battery begins to warm up gradually towards its operating temperature,” explains Vlček.

The same screen shows the maximum charging power currently available. A separate app, Battery temperature for fast charging, shows the current battery temperature. Vlček says the ideal battery temperature is about 25 °C (77 °F). In colder weather, normal driving alone is unlikely to get the battery that warm. Depending on conditions, the battery takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach that temperature once pre-heating starts.

Škoda’s advice for using it

  • Use the function at temperatures below 20 °C (68 °F).
  • Turn it on about 45 minutes before you need to charge.
  • The car must be switched on. Ideally, start pre-heating while driving, once you know you will need to charge.
  • Pre-heating is not needed for slower AC charging.

The update does not include one feature found on cars with software version 4 and higher. Those cars start pre-heating automatically when a charging station is set as the destination in the navigation system. Older cars only get the manual version.

Vlček points out that the work behind the feature is less simple than it looks to the driver:

„From the user’s perspective, battery pre-heating is a very simple and straightforward function, but from our perspective it requires intervention in the three most important control units of the vehicle: the vehicle control unit, the battery control unit and the infotainment system. This places enormous demands on implementation and on comprehensive testing to ensure the update functions correctly,” explains Vlček.

Other changes in version 3.9

Version 3.9 also brings:

  • an updated welcome screen that no longer needs to be confirmed
  • security updates
  • a software fix for the Online Connectivity Unit (OCU)

Facts: Škoda Enyaq software update 3.9

  • Cars eligible: Enyaq built from start of production until about the end of 2023
  • Vehicles affected: about 200,000
  • New feature: manual battery pre-heating for fast charging
  • Button active: below 20 °C (68 °F) battery temperature
  • Ideal battery temperature: about 25 °C (77 °F)
  • Time to reach it: about 30–40 minutes
  • Rollout: first update from calendar week 47, second from week 49, then more waves

The update will reach the first eligible Enyaqs from calendar week 47.

Source: www.skoda-storyboard.com