Many early MEB-based Volkswagen Group EVs are missing a crucial feature: battery preconditioning. This means that models like the Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz, Skoda Enyaq, and Cupra Born do not have the ability to preheat the high-voltage battery pack before plugging into a fast charger. As a result, charging in cold climates can be a lengthy process, as the battery restricts power if it’s not at the optimal temperature.
However, there is now a solution for owners of these pre-2024 MEB EVs. Security engineer Fredrik Gustafsson has developed a small circuit board that can be built and installed to enable battery preconditioning. The board taps into the car’s battery management system (BMS) harness and can be programmed using a USB dongle. Once the software is loaded onto the board, it is connected to an extension cable that accesses the BMS connector behind the glovebox. The cost of the parts is around $40 to $50, plus the time to assemble it.
While this solution may seem a bit DIY, it provides a way for early MEB EV owners to enjoy the benefits of battery preconditioning. By powering the circuit board with a USB-C cable, the battery heater and coolant pump can be activated to ensure the battery is at the right temperature for fast charging. Although this method may void warranties and comes with risks, Gustafsson assures that the car’s failsafes are in place to prevent any damage.
For those interested in more information, Gustafsson’s GitHub page and the VWIDTalk forum provide detailed instructions and discussions. Additionally, a second version of the system is in the works, which will allow for smartphone app control and monitoring of the battery heater. While this version is still being refined, the initial DIY solution with the USB-C cable remains the best option for owners looking to add battery preconditioning to their early MEB EVs. It’s not perfect, but it works. This phrase can be applied to so many aspects of life, including technology. We often find ourselves using tools and devices that are not flawless, but they get the job done. And sometimes, that’s all we really need.
Take, for example, the latest smartphone on the market. It may have a few bugs and glitches, but overall it functions well enough to make calls, send messages, and access the internet. It may not be perfect, but it works.
The same can be said for many software programs. They may have some limitations or be missing a few features, but they still help us complete tasks and be productive. We learn to work around their imperfections and make the most of what they offer.
Even in our personal lives, we often encounter situations that are not ideal. Maybe our car has a few dents and scratches, but it still gets us from point A to point B. Or perhaps our home is not exactly how we envisioned it, but it provides us with shelter and comfort.
In a world where perfection is often idealized, it’s important to remember that perfection is not always necessary. Sometimes, good enough is just that – good enough. As long as something serves its purpose and meets our needs, it doesn’t have to be flawless.
So the next time you come across something that is not perfect, remember that it doesn’t have to be. As long as it works and helps you in some way, that’s all that really matters. Embrace the imperfections and appreciate what you have, flaws and all. Because in the end, it’s not perfect, but it works.