Electric Range Reduction of 8 Milesobserved in Volkswagen ID 3 after travelling 107,000 miles
The Volkswagen ID.3, a popular electric vehicle (EV), has demonstrated impressive battery durability and efficiency improvements over time. An independent endurance test by Germany’s ADAC covering 107,000 miles (about 160,000 km) over four years showed the ID.3’s 77 kWh battery retained 91% of its original capacity, losing only about eight miles of range.
Early testing showed 96% battery health at 13,500 miles, gradually dropping one percent at a time until stabilising at 91% beyond 90,000 miles of driving[1]. This degradation rate comfortably exceeds Volkswagen’s warranty, which guarantees at least 70% battery health for 100,000 miles or ten years.
Regarding energy efficiency and charging speed improvements, the ID.3's software updates have notably enhanced energy use and performance. Energy consumption improved from early values around 3.11 miles per kWh to 3.40 mpkWh by 2024 lab testing. Real-world driving averaged about 2.70 mpkWh over the full test duration. This indicates that software optimisations have made the vehicle more energy-efficient despite aging[1].
Volkswagen, like many EV makers, advises against frequent charging to 100% daily as it can accelerate battery wear. However, occasional full charges and fast charging are generally managed well by the ID.3’s battery management system to minimise degradation. The use of DC fast charging (Level 3) can speed up charging but generates heat, which, if done excessively, can increase battery degradation. The ID.3’s battery management controls charging rates, especially after 80% capacity, to ensure safety and longevity[2][3].
In summary:
| Aspect | Volkswagen ID.3 Battery Details | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | Battery capacity degradation | About 9% lost after 107,000 miles (4 years), retaining 91% capacity[1] | | Battery warranty | 70% capacity for 100,000 miles or 10 years[1] | | Energy efficiency improvement | From 3.11 to 3.40 miles/kWh after software updates[1] | | Impact of software updates | Enhanced energy efficiency and optimised charging performance[1] | | Fast charging considerations | Occasional use fine; frequent use may accelerate degradation[2][3] | | Charge management | Charging speed slows after 80% to protect battery life[2] |
Overall, the Volkswagen ID.3’s battery shows strong resilience with minimal degradation over extensive use, and software updates have further boosted its efficiency and optimised charging behaviour, helping prolong battery life and improve user experience.
The ADAC plans to continue using the ID 3 and test its battery health again at 250,000km (155,000 miles). The car was regularly charged up to 100% and left at that level for several days. The battery's state of health reduced again to 92% at 80,000 miles. A charging time of around two minutes is saved when charging the ID 3 from 10-80%, due to the increased charging speed. The Volkswagen ID 3’s battery health is currently at 91% after 90,600 miles of use.
In the context of advancing technology and sustainable lifestyle choices, the Volkswagen ID.3's electric vehicle (EV) battery health has shown robustness, retaining 91% capacity after 107,000 miles (4 years), with software updates having played a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency and charging performance. Further testing by ADAC plans to assess the ID.3's battery health again at 250,000km (155,000 miles), evaluating how the integration of technology contributes to the longevity of cars like electric vehicles.
