Volkswagen EVs to have bi-directional charging

Volkswagen has rolled out an over-the-air (OTA) update for its new ID electric cars that enables a longer driving range ahead of bi-directional capability in future models.

The OTA upgrade sees the ID.3 and ID.4 equipped with a ‘version 3.0’ software update that increases the maximum charging rate from 125kW to 135kW for models with the 77kWh battery. The upgrade reduces the five to 80 per cent charging time by up to nine minutes.

Existing owners will also benefit from the upgrade via an over-the-air update which introduces a new Battery Care Mode. This allows users to stop the battery charging at 80 per cent to help extend its life.

Additional changes have been made to the charging menu on the infotainment screens that is “a more informative and clearer way” of understanding the battery settings.

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Like Hyundai and Mitsubishi, VW has also will also introduce bi-directional charging on its models. This allows EVs to feed electricity back into the grid or to power your home as long as your house has a bi-directional wall-box fitted (and the regulations for it are still being confirmed in Australia).

Another feature introduced in 2022 will be a new authentication process for public charging. VW claims “encrypted and secure communication... will be started between the car and charging station as soon as the customer plugs in the charging cable”.

Called Plug & Charge, the process is said to take a few seconds and avoids the need to scan membership cards or debit cards to begin charging. It will be possible on Ionity, Aral, BP and EON networks throughout Europe next year, with discussions with other providers “ongoing”.

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Elke Temme, head of charging and energy at VW Group Components, said: “The goal is to ensure that an electric vehicle is capable of being a customer’s primary car, without compromises.

“That is why we are building a complete charging ecosystem, with residential charging solutions and a rapid expansion of the fast-charging infrastructure required for mobile charging, as well as competent advice, comprehensive charging tariffs and the right fleet solutions for business customers.”