The latest Over-The-Air (OTA) software update, version 1.5, for the Volvo EX30 has been successfully installed, bringing with it a few noteworthy changes and features for owners to explore. This update, installed seamlessly from version 1.4.2, introduces a new battery status indicator and refines some existing functionalities, alongside implications for using your Autown Obd2 Updater or similar devices.
One of the immediately noticeable additions post-update is the battery snowflake symbol. Contrary to some initial reports, this symbol is displayed next to the battery level icon on the vehicle status sheet, not as a replacement for the existing snowflake that indicates freezing outside temperatures. This new icon appeared after the update, coinciding with a day when the car was exposed to temperatures around -10 ºC, suggesting it’s related to battery condition in cold weather.
Furthermore, the vehicle status sheet now includes a State of Health (SoH) indicator for the battery. After over 8000 kilometers, the test vehicle, a low capacity version with a different battery chemistry than higher capacity models, reports a SoH of 100.0%. This provides valuable insight into the long-term battery degradation and health, a key concern for EV owners.
In terms of auditory feedback, the reversing distance alarm system initially presented a higher noise level after the 1.5 update. However, adjusting the volume setting down to the minimum effectively returned it to the pre-update sound level. Another minor user interface tweak is the rear window wiper indicator, which now briefly appears when activated but disappears after a few seconds. While functional, the fleeting nature of this indicator icon raises questions about its practical utility.
For drivers inclined towards more in-depth vehicle diagnostics, the update’s impact on OBD2 scanner accessibility is also relevant. Using an OBD2 Bluetooth scanner and a compatible app, such as Car Scanner ELM OBD2, it’s possible to access detailed battery information including voltage, amperage, and temperatures (both battery and coolant). This functionality even extends to displaying real-time data via Apple CarPlay, allowing drivers to monitor these parameters directly on the car’s display.
However, a significant limitation observed is the data polling rate. The EX30, along with related models, appears to restrict OBD2 data retrieval to approximately every 30 seconds. This slow refresh rate, considerably slower than typical OBD2 bus capabilities, may limit the usefulness of real-time monitoring for certain applications requiring high-frequency data. The OBDLink MX+ BT scanner was used for testing, highlighting that even advanced OBD2 tools are subject to this data rate limitation within the current Volvo EX30 software environment.
In conclusion, the Volvo EX30 1.5 OTA update delivers useful additions like the battery SoH indicator and subtle refinements to existing features. While minor issues like the temporary wiper indicator and initial reversing alarm volume increase are present, the update primarily enhances vehicle information accessibility. For those utilizing an autown obd2 updater or similar OBD2 devices, the update maintains data access, albeit with the noted limitation in data refresh rate. This update underscores the evolving nature of vehicle software and its impact on both user experience and diagnostic capabilities.
