Volkswagen ID.3 Battery Retains 91% Capacity After 160,000 km Endurance Test

High-Mileage Performance Validates EV Durability

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S has completed a 160,000-kilometre endurance test under the supervision of ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club. The results show the high-voltage battery retaining 91% net capacity after four years of intensive use. This performance is well above Volkswagen's warranty guarantee of 70% capacity after eight years or 160,000 km.

The tested model featured a 77 kWh net battery and underwent harsher-than-recommended charging conditions to accelerate mileage accumulation. This test represents the first long-term evaluation of a Volkswagen ID. family vehicle.

Key Test Highlights

• 91% remaining battery capacity after 160,000 km
• Over 40% of charging sessions conducted via rapid chargers
• Vehicle frequently stored at 100% charge for several days
• Multiple software updates installed during testing
• Charging capacity increased to 170 kW after updates
• Improved winter efficiency (0–5°C) following software revisions
• No major wear on axles, suspension, or steering

Charging Conditions and Battery Stress

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S was deliberately tested under high-stress conditions:

1. Rapid Charging: More than 40% of sessions used high-power DC chargers, known to accelerate battery wear.
2. Full-Charge Storage: The car was often left at 100% charge for days, contrary to EV battery preservation guidelines.
3. Continuous Use: The goal was to reach 160,000 km quickly, simulating fleet or high-mileage driver usage.

Despite this, the battery’s state of health (SOH) only declined by 9%, indicating strong thermal and charge management.

Software Updates Boost Efficiency

Throughout the test, the ID.3 received over-the-air and workshop-installed software updates, including:

• Electric Vehicle Route Planner to optimize charging stops
• Charging speed increase from earlier specs to 170 kW
• Efficiency improvements in short trips and cold climates
• Bug fixes improving reliability

These updates positively impacted energy consumption and real-world range, particularly in challenging winter driving.

Vehicle Durability Beyond the Battery

The ADAC evaluation also assessed mechanical components:

• Chassis and body structure remained in good condition
• Suspension and steering systems showed no major degradation
• No unusual wear despite EV weight and mileage

This reinforces the ID.3’s potential as a low-maintenance, high-mileage EV.

Warranty and Used Market Implications

Volkswagen guarantees that ID. model batteries retain at least 70% of original capacity for eight years or 160,000 km. The ADAC findings suggest real-world performance can significantly exceed this threshold.

For the used EV market, this result could increase buyer confidence. A battery maintaining over 90% capacity after such mileage means second-hand ID.3 units could still offer long range and strong performance.

Test Vehicle Specifications