VW ID.3 Battery Holds Strong After Nearly 170,000 Kilometers

Long-term test reveals surprising battery health and consistent range, thanks to software updates.

Electric vehicle buyers often worry about battery longevity and replacement costs. A comprehensive long-term trial of the Volkswagen ID.3, however, offers reassuring data, suggesting batteries can endure extensive use.

Battery Health Exceeds Expectations

After accumulating nearly 170,000 kilometers, the VW ID.3’s battery demonstrated a “State of Health” (SoH) of approximately 91 percent. This impressive resilience was recorded despite the vehicle being regularly charged to 100 percent capacity and frequently driven.

The “State of Health” metric quantifies a battery’s remaining capacity compared to its new condition. A 100 percent SoH indicates full performance, with noticeable wear typically starting around 80 percent. This finding aligns with previous research suggesting battery degradation initially slows and then stabilizes after tens of thousands of kilometers.

Range Remains Stable Amidst Capacity Loss

Remarkably, the ID.3’s real-world driving range remained virtually unchanged, even with the slight capacity reduction. The vehicle’s energy consumption improved from 20 kWh per 100 kilometers in early testing to 18.3 kWh. Experts attribute this stability to consistent software updates that have optimized the car’s energy management systems.

This highlights the significant impact of digital components on the usability of electric vehicles, extending beyond just hardware capabilities. For context, a study by the SLAC-Tanzord Battery Center suggests that adopting a “dynamic cycling” driving style—a mix of city driving, highway trips, and occasional acceleration—can extend EV battery lifespans by up to 38 percent (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2023).

Minor Setbacks and Maintenance Costs

While the overall battery performance was positive, the long-term test did encounter a few operational issues. The GPS antenna, which also affected the eCall emergency system, required replacement at a cost of 525 euros. At one point, the vehicle became immobilized due to a fault with the automatic door opening system, necessitating a software update to resolve.

Additionally, the charging flap needed a repair costing 227 euros. Over more than 160,000 kilometers, the ID.3 required only two scheduled maintenance appointments, totaling approximately 427 euros. A separate service for the CO₂ air conditioning system added another 200 euros.

Battery Conditioning and Future Testing

A notable area for improvement identified was the battery heating function. The ID.3’s system cannot be manually controlled, leading to extended charging times in colder conditions as the battery only warms up during the charging process. Newer models offer greater user control, and while a software update could potentially address this for older vehicles, it has not yet been implemented.

The organization plans to continue testing the ID.3 beyond its warranty period to document potential long-term issues and monitor battery performance in vehicles exceeding 200,000 kilometers, an area with limited scientific data currently available.