Will the ID.4 Experience Similar Software Issues as VW's First EV?
The ID.4 looks sporty, but VW's new EV platform is having software issues with its first major EV model, the ID.3.
Updates 12/14 PM: A recent comment from an ID.3 message board stated that “today (I received) my latest update and AppleCar wireless working.”
Update 12/14 AM: The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with three years of unlimited public DC fast charging on the Electrify America network at no additional cost.
Recently, I recommended a new Volkswagen ID.4 to a non-EV driver wondering about new electric cars and primarily due to its sporty, crossover SUV design and the $7,500 tax credit in the U.S. On the surface, this seems like a great EV to start your electrification journey due to VW’s robust support of e-mobility going forward — but do keep an eye on VW CEO Herbert Diess new contract.
But there are a few caveats to be aware as VW begins its own journey selling electric car and, of course, supporting this new technology from a legacy automotive company.
This post lays out some of the VW issues since its rollout of its first EV, the ID.3, back in September in Europe.
So what could go wrong with a ID.4 rollout in the U.S.?
The car’s software has had issues in the first couple of months and VW announced before launch that the ID.3 cars would not have features like AppConnect, which allows for Apple CarPlay or Android Audio. Owners eventually received these features but had to receive the software updates at the dealership — as opposed to direct software updates to Tesla cars.
Related Content | EV Review - ID.4 Style Accents Should Add Up for U.S. Consumers
Below are some of the issues being seen on message boards:
SIM problems: The ID.3 is always in off-line mode on the main display (Dec 5)
12V battery drain — the electronics power supply for the car, doesn’t affect the battery range. (I had the same issue with my Model S after about 16 months)
Charging potential at home — “When I tried it here in the UK (single phase 7kW supply, so 250V at 32A), the charge rate dropped from 28 mph to 6 mph - so on that basis, it seems it drops from 32A to about 7A.
And a recent comment from an owner in the UK (11/26):
There are a number of software quirks and bugs for sure - but the basics work well. The mobile app is very rudimentary and its comms to the car unreliable, but I'm hopeful the Big Update coming soon will address that.
So after reading many comments and viewing ID.3 owner Youtube videos, the big takeaway is that some BIG software update is coming in early 2021 that should allow for over-the-air (OTA) updates from your residence, not at a VW dealer.
So I’m going to put my recommendation on hold until early January or February. I believe VW is “behind” its product but software is a challenge and especially the last 20% of development. The ID.4 is due to arrive in the U.S. in the first half of 2021.
Below are some images of the ID.4, what are your thoughts?
Recent ID.4 Images
