Sometimes it’s the little things that make all the difference – especially when they happen in a place where progress usually moves slowly. The new battery temperature display in the Škoda ENYAQ (first generation, software version 3.x) is exactly that kind of feature.
It may not look revolutionary at first glance. But in reality, it’s a clear sign that something is changing – and that Škoda is willing to move where others in the group hesitate.
Because what’s happened here shows one thing above all: Škoda listens. And Škoda delivers.
So, what exactly has changed?
All Škoda ENYAQ models with software version 3.x (i.e., first-generation vehicles) are now receiving a battery temperature display directly inside the vehicle – via a small in-car app that’s being rolled out as part of a minor software addition.
This display updates every five minutes and gives drivers insight into the current high-voltage battery temperature while driving. This is particularly helpful when planning fast charging sessions in cold weather. While it’s not active battery preconditioning, it’s the first time that this vital piece of information is directly visible to the driver.
Vehicles with software version 4.x or 5.x (ENYAQ facelift or Model Year 2024+ versions) do not receive this feature – they already include preheating and other updates out of the box.
Where it came from: A community request becomes reality
This wasn’t just a random feature from Škoda’s roadmap. It was born directly from the community.
In September 2024, at the EV Lounge Meetup in Mladá Boleslav, Škoda invited real ENYAQ drivers to their headquarters for the first time – to listen, learn, and understand what users really need. I was there.
In a roundtable with technical staff and even Škoda CEO Klaus Zellmer, we raised a very specific request:
“If preheating isn’t possible – at least give us a battery temperature readout. That alone would help many of us.”
Their response back then:
“We’ll see what we can do.”
And now, only 7 months later, they’ve delivered.
Why this is a big deal
In the automotive world – especially inside the VW Group – it can take years for user feedback to translate into real action.
Software updates for existing vehicles are rare. Very rare. And even minor changes face mountains of internal obstacles: platform limitations, corporate politics, budget allocations, CARIAD dependencies, and the usual resistance to change.
So the fact that Škoda went ahead and developed, tested, and released this update on their own – without waiting for CARIAD or the wider VW structure – is a remarkable achievement.
It shows that when a brand wants to move, and is allowed to move, it can.
Škoda had four options – and chose the best one
Let’s be honest – they had every excuse to do nothing. But they didn’t. In fact, here were their options:
- Ignore the request – which is what often happens elsewhere in the Group.
- Ask CARIAD to integrate it – which would probably lead to… nothing.
- Push the feature into the MyŠkoda app – technically possible, but not accessible while driving.
- Build a lightweight app directly into the vehicle software – and that’s exactly what they did.
And what about real preheating?
Let’s be clear: this display does not replace actual battery preconditioning. That remains the #1 feature that ENYAQ drivers with SW3.x have been requesting since 2021 – and rightly so. And I will remind them constantly on delivering this feature!
Škoda’s latest official statement on this is:
“We are evaluating the situation regarding the preheating functionality and are working on possible solutions. Due to the complexity of the topic, we can not provide any estimation when an integration of this feature for Škoda Enyaq vehicles with 3.x software will be possible. We ask for your understanding and will inform you, as soon as we can share more details.”
Sounds vague? Yes.
And for a long time, I felt the same: just more corporate talk.
But now, seeing this new display feature actually delivered – I believe them.
Because this time, they’ve shown they’re willing to act. No, Škoda cannot deliver preheating on their own. They need VW, CARIAD, and the component suppliers on board. But they did what they can do. And that gives me hope that their commitment is real – not just PR.
My conclusion: Action builds trust
This battery temperature app isn’t revolutionary. But it’s a statement.
It’s proof that Škoda is close to its customers – and willing to act, even when others in the Group sit back.
And it’s also a message to the rest of the VW universe: This is how it’s done.
If Škoda can develop and deploy a practical, customer-driven feature in just seven months – then surely, “too complicated” shouldn’t be an excuse anymore.
I’ll continue pushing for real preheating – and I won’t stop.
But today, I say: Well done, Škoda. You listened. You delivered.
And that deserves recognition.
