VW ID.3 retains 91% battery capacity in 160,000km test

Europe’s largest automobile association, the German Automobile Club (ADAC), has unveiled results from a rigorous four-year endurance test of a Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S Tour electric vehicle (EV), revealing battery degradation far less severe than widely assumed. Over the course of the experiment, the ID.3 was driven more than 107,000 miles (approximately 160,000 kilometres), with its battery health closely monitored by the Bavarian Test and Technology Centre. Contrary to common concerns among potential EV buyers, the high-voltage battery maintained an impressive 91% of its original net capacity, well above Volkswagen’s warranty guarantee of 70% after eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Challenging the Standards: Real-World Testing Conditions

This study is particularly noteworthy for its real-world conditions. The ID.3 was subjected to frequent rapid charging, 40% of charges utilised fast chargers, and often charged to 100% capacity, even being left at full charge for several days at a time, despite most manufacturers recommending limiting charge levels to 80% to protect battery longevity when a vehicle is stationary. These factors typically accelerate battery wear, yet the vehicle’s performance defied these expectations. After four years and extensive mileage, the car lost just eight miles of its maximum claimed range of 336 miles. The test also uncovered a reduced range during highway driving, with the EV achieving around 250 miles compared to the official WLTP range of 326 miles.

The Role of Over-the-Air Software Updates

Notably, the vehicle benefited from multiple over-the-air software updates delivered by Volkswagen throughout the period, which enhanced charging capacities, raising peak charging power up to 170kW, and improved energy consumption and efficiency, particularly in colder conditions between 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F). Volkswagen stated these updates positively affected power consumption over short trips and under winter weather conditions, contributing to the sustained battery health and overall vehicle efficiency.

Wider Industry Evidence and Longevity

The ADAC’s findings align with an increasingly robust body of evidence suggesting that electric vehicle battery degradation has often been overestimated, potentially discouraging buyers and affecting resale values unnecessarily. A Swedish car brokerage analysis of over 1,000 used EVs found battery state of health figures over 90%, even for vehicles with high mileage and extensive rapid charging. Similarly, UK leasing company Arval reported an average battery health of 93%, concluding that the average capacity remained close to 90% even after 124,000 miles.

These results reinforce the growing view that electric vehicles, beyond their initial higher purchase cost, represent durable and reliable second-hand options with reduced complexity compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The environmental argument for EVs is also bolstered by this longevity; considering the considerable carbon footprint involved in manufacturing EV batteries, these cars only begin to repay their carbon debt after around 13,500 miles or two years of use. From this point onward, they become notably greener than their fossil-fuel counterparts. Continued use, especially when charged off-peak using renewable energy, enhances their environmental benefits over time. Additionally, advancements in battery recycling technologies mean a significant portion of battery materials can be recovered and reused, further improving the sustainability of electric vehicles throughout their lifecycle.

The ADAC’s rigorous long-term testing of the Volkswagen ID.3 underlines the resilience and improving reliability of EV battery technology, suggesting that fears of rapid battery degradation are often overstated. This serves to boost confidence among consumers considering electric vehicles and highlights the potential for EVs to deliver lasting value and environmental benefits over many years of service.