The Volkswagen ID.3 has passed a long-term battery test with flying colours, according to Germany's largest motoring association, ADAC. After four years and more than 160,000 kilometres of driving, the ID.3's battery still holds 91 per cent of its original capacity.
That's well above the minimum 70 per cent that Volkswagen guarantees for all ID. models over eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.
The car tested was the ID.3 Pro S, which comes with a 77 kWh battery. The test was carried out at ADAC's Test and Technology Centre in Landsberg am Lech, where engineers tested the car to simulate real-world long-term use. They used rapid chargers for over 40 per cent of the sessions and sometimes left the battery fully charged for days, which is something EV drivers are usually advised not to do.
Despite this treatment, the ID.3 showed no major issues. The chassis, axles, and steering all held up well, and there were no big problems with the suspension or bodywork even after years of high mileage.
During the test, the car also received several software updates, including an improved route planner that helps drivers find the best places to stop and charge. Updates also boosted charging speeds up to 170 kW and helped reduce energy use, especially in colder weather and on short trips. ADAC says regular software updates are worth installing, as they can improve both range and charging performance.
This is the first time an ID. model has undergone a full endurance test like this - by an independent body - and the results are promising as the ID.3 appears to age well, not just in terms of the battery, but the overall condition of the car too.