Audi is finally moving to over-the-air updates like Tesla and Volkswagen

Audi has just announced a major innovation: the arrival of remote or OTA software updates. For the moment, only two models of the brand will be able to benefit from it, namely the Q4 e-Tron and its Sportback coupé version.

For a few years now, more and more manufacturers have given in to a fashion launched by Tesla in 2012 on the Model S: remote software updates or OTA.

It must be said that this method has many advantages. If a feature glitch, just deploy a patch online and let users download it. For the driver, no need to go through the Garage box anymore. Via these OTA updates, manufacturers can not only solve problems with their software remotely, but they can also improve the characteristics of their vehicles.

Tesla has made it its specialty by repeatedly boosting the performance of the Model S and Model X, for example. Since March 2021, Volkswagen has also been offering OTA updates on its electric vehicles, such as ID.3 and ID. 4. And inevitably, it was only a matter of time before we saw other brands of the German group to get started in turn.

Audi is finally getting started with remote software updates

Indeed, Audi has just confirmed this Tuesday, March 14, 2023 the deployment of version 3.2 of the software. It includes a major novelty: the ability to perform future updates remotely. This version of the software will be installed on all the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-Tron manufactured in 2023.

For owners of a vehicle produced in 2021 or 2022, you will have to go to the dealership one last time to install the latest version of the software (OTA updates will then avoid this inconvenience).

Plug and Charge and better consumption

With this new software, Audi has added several new features, such as activating Plug and Charge. This system makes it possible to automatically connect to a charging station without having to present a card. Billing is also done automatically.

Then, the mark with the rings introduces another rather practical tool and baptized “Preferential charging time”. It simply allows users to plan their home charging during off-peak hours, in order to save money on their electricity bill while reducing the tensions on the electrical network. A good thing when the government has been calling on the French to reduce their energy consumption for months.

But that’s not all. With this update, Audi applies some optimizations to charging and energy consumption. Charging power has increased to 135 kW from 125, while customers can now save the battery by keeping it at an ideal state of charge of 80%.

Source: Audi