Continuous Testing of VW ID.3 Reveals Conclusive Results
In a groundbreaking test, the German Automobile Club (ADAC) subjected the Volkswagen ID.3 to a rigorous four-year durability trial covering an impressive 160,000 kilometres (approximately 99,400 miles). This marked the first such test for a model in Volkswagen's ID series.
The ID.3, put through its paces, had to withstand challenging conditions, including being charged at high-speed charging stations for over 40% of the time. Despite this demanding routine, the vehicle demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the high-voltage battery retaining an impressive 91% of its net capacity after 160,000 kilometres. This figure surpasses Volkswagen's warranty guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity after eight years or 160,000 kilometres.
The test, conducted at the ADAC test and technology centre in Landsberg am Lech, aimed to objectively evaluate the high-voltage battery's durability and the overall quality of the Volkswagen ID.3. During the trial, the vehicle received several software updates that improved charging performance and efficiency, as well as updates to the integrated e-route planner, which now considers traffic conditions and predictions for faster destination arrival.
Martin Sander, Volkswagen's sales chief, commented that the result demonstrates the quality of their ID models even after many kilometres. He added that the battery's performance was particularly impressive, showing no significant weaknesses despite high stress.
In addition to the battery, the chassis, suspension, steering, and body of the ID.3 also remained solid with no significant wear. The axles and suspension were found to be up to the task of supporting the vehicle's weight. No technical defects were discovered in the ID.3 after 160,000 kilometres.
The ADAC strongly recommends installing software updates to maintain optimal performance and battery health. The charging performance of the ID.3 increased to up to 170 kW through updates, providing faster charging times.
In the ADAC's verdict, the VW ID.3 withstands the stress without any major weaknesses, making it a promising choice for those considering an electric vehicle.
[1] ADAC Press Release, "ADAC test: VW ID.3 withstands stress without major weaknesses," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.adac.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/adac-test-vw-id3-widerstandet-stress-ohne-große-schwachstellen-540734
[2] Volkswagen Media Services, "Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S: The first four-year durability test for an ID model," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/volkswagen-id3-pro-s-the-first-four-year-durability-test-for-an-id-model-11890
[3] Green Car Reports, "Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback aces ADAC's 160,000-km durability test," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1138105_volkswagen-id-3-electric-hatchback-aces-adacs-160-000-km-durability-test
[4] Electrek, "Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback aces ADAC's 160,000-km durability test," 2021. [Online]. Available: https://electrek.co/2021/11/19/volkswagen-id-3-electric-hatchback-aces-adacs-160000-km-durability-test/
- The Volkswagen ID.3's impressive resilience in the four-year durability test conducted by ADAC, covered 160,000 kilometres, underscores the quality of electric-vehicle technology in its lifestyle.
- The ADAC test results showed that the Volkswagen ID.3, being regularly charged at high-speed charging stations for over 40% of the time, demonstrates the durability and efficiency of technology in both cars and lifestyle.