In an unusual twist to the world of electric vehicles, the Volkswagen ID.4 has become known for its otherworldly sounds during software updates. While some might mistake these eerie noises for a technical glitch, VW has offered insight into this intriguing phenomenon.
In a video shared by YouTuber Ps3mn1 back in July, a white VW ID.4 parked in a garage emitted strange and unsettling sounds, causing speculation among viewers. However, according to a spokesperson from Volkswagen, these peculiar sounds are perfectly normal during a software update.
The root cause of this auditory spectacle lies in the car’s need to comply with U.S. regulations, which mandate that electric vehicles must emit external sounds when traveling below 18 mph (29 km/h) to alert pedestrians. To achieve this, the ID.4 relies on its CAN-Bus and speed sensors to determine its speed and the necessity of activating the pedestrian warning sound. During a software update, the car temporarily loses its connection to these sensors, leading the system to produce the otherworldly sounds that have puzzled many.
While Volkswagen has not indicated whether they plan to eliminate these eerie update noises, they have been diligently working on a comprehensive update for the 2024 ID.4 model. While precise details about this upcoming model remain undisclosed, some exciting changes are on the horizon.
The entry-level 2024 ID.4, featuring an 82 kWh battery pack and a single electric motor, is expected to generate a robust 282 hp, a significant increase from the previous 201 hp. Moreover, the twin-motor version of the 2024 ID.4 will reportedly deliver an impressive 330 hp, a 35 hp boost compared to last year’s model.
Volkswagen has also hinted at improvements in the range of both ID.4 models, although specific details regarding the extent of these enhancements are yet to be revealed.
