ŠKODA Auto will start installing the new ME3 software version for already delivered ŠKODA ENYAQ iV cars with immediate effect, enabling increased range due to the optimisation of battery management.
The software also offers numerous improvements for the virtual cockpit and the head-up display, the infotainment system, and the ŠKODA Connect online services.
The new software offers a care mode in which the battery is only charged to a maximum of 80 percent during the next charging process. This “helps to conserve the battery and extend its service life”. However, its full storage capacity and maximum charging speed will be available at any time, should there be a need for them.
The maximum charging rate will increase to 120 kW for the cars featuring the 62-kWh battery and 135 kW for models with the large 82-kWh battery. For owners with an ENYAQ iV with 50 kW charging rate as standard, this will only apply if they purchased upgraded DC charging as an option or upgraded their charging rate via the approved ŠKODA accessory upgrade.
The Czech carmaker, which delivered over 870,000 vehicles to customers around the world in 2021, said that there have also been improvements to the ‘virtual cockpit’ and the head-up display, including the presentation of the current battery charge level. The rear-view camera offers increased contrast, for improved visibility of the car’s surroundings. A button on the multifunction steering wheel allows the driver to switch quickly and easily between Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and travel assist. In addition, numerous ŠKODA Connect online services have been expanded or refined, making them even more intuitive to use.
Owners of qualifying vehicles will be contacted by their local ŠKODA retailer and asked to book a free service appointment to install the new software. The process takes about five hours. Future updates will be performed over the air. New ŠKODA ENYAQ iV vehicles and the ŠKODA ENYAQ Coupé iV will come with the new software as standard.
The carmaker, which operates at three sites in the Czech Republic has so far delivered more than 70,000 vehicles from its ENYAQ iV family to customers, giving the SUV a 3.5% share of the all-electric vehicle market in Europe. ŠKODA’s flagship is in seventh place in the ranking of the most sold BEVs across the EU. A look at the individual European markets also highlights the success of the ENYAQ iV series: In the brand's Czech domestic market, ENYAQ iV family models are top sellers among BEVs, as they are in Slovakia, Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands, while they rank third in Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and Estonia.
The carmaker employs 45,000 people globally, is active in over 100 markets, and is “aiming to be one of the five best-selling brands in Europe by 2030” with an attractive line-up in the entry-level segments and additional e-models.