Volkswagen is introducing over-the-air updates for its ID electric vehicle family from this month – updating the software every 12 weeks to bring new features for customers.

The first over-the-air updates for ID. models will be out this month

The brand said it will become the first high-volume manufacturer to regularly update software in customer cars via mobile data transfer.

It’s a major milestone on Volkswagen’s path to becoming a software-orientated mobility provider and will enable it to move into a new business model of selling services; the updates will allow additional functions and technology to be added later.

But VW said the move will also benefit owners as its cars will remain up-to-date at all times and will retain their value better.

The first bunch of updates will be carried out on the ID.3 this month and will apply to ‘First Movers Club’ customers. Updates will enhance the functionalities of the ID. Light system, enabling optimised surroundings recognition and dynamic main beam control. They will also bring improved operability and design modifications for the infotainment system, as well as performance and stability improvements.

This will be followed by updates for all ID.3, ID.4 and ID.4 GTX models; in total, VW will be able to update up to 35 control units via the over-the-air updates.

Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, commented: “After the successful roll-out of our all-electric ID. family, the brand is once again leading the movement: we are creating a totally new, digital customer experience with new functions and greater comfort – every 12 weeks. This makes us the first high-volume manufacturer to regularly deliver extensive over-the-air updates. This is an important milestone in the implementation of our Accelerate strategy, which is preparing Volkswagen for the connected, digital mobility of the future.”

The software updates are delivered via mobile data transfer and are being enabled by the close work with Cariad, the Volkswagen Group’s car software organisation.

“Over-the-air updates are a central functionality of the digital, connected car,” said Cariad CEO Dirk Hilgenberg. “They will become the norm for customers – just like downloading the latest operating system or apps on your smartphone.”