Currently reading: Volkswagen ID 3 loses eight miles of range after 107,000 miles

Four-year-old ID 3 lost 9% of its battery capacity, but this was offset by efficiency-boosting software updates

A 107,000-mile Volkswagen ID 3 tested by the ADAC, Germany’s equivalent to the AA, has lost only eight miles of usable battery range while covering that distance.

It found that the 77kWh battery had lost 9% of its capacity during four years of hard use, having been regularly charged up to 100% and then left at that level for several days as it was rotated between ADAC engineers. 

But software updates over the car’s life gradually improved its energy efficiency, which offset the losses from the battery. 

ADAC lab testing in 2021 found it managed 3.11 miles per kWh, whereas it now does 3.40mpkWh. In the real world, over the full 107,000 miles, it recorded an average of 2.70mpkWh.

The updates mean the ID 3 now charges more quickly than before, too: it originally drew a maximum of 125kW, according to the ADAC, but can now reach 160kW. That translates to a saving of around two minutes when charging from 10-80%, it said.

The firm also tested the battery’s state of health throughout its life, starting at 96% at 13,500 miles. It sustained this until 43,200 miles, when it fell to 95%, and it dropped another percentage point at 52,400 miles. It reduced again to 93% at 64,000 miles; 92% at 80,000 miles; and then to the final 91% at 90,600 miles. 

The result put the firm’s ID 3 well clear of its battery warranty, which guaranteed at least 70% of the original capacity at 100,000 miles or 10 years.

The ADAC said it will continue using the ID 3 and will test its battery health again at 250,000km (155,000 miles).

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.

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Ay up me duck 16 July 2025

That's very impressive...

Perhaps Kia could borrow some exgineering expertise as they've now had my sister's e-Niro for 9 months due to a failed battery (after approx. 3 years and 20k miles) which they can't seem to fix under warranty!

If it ever does get fixed, and makes it to 100k miles, I'll ask her to post battery deg details...

Mindfixer 16 July 2025
Electricgate here we come.
xxxx 16 July 2025

Guy down the road already has Electric gates, so?

Gavster11 16 July 2025

It would be interesting to know what the charging mix is, mostly 3-11kw or 50kw+? Either way, that's an impressive degredation score.

Andrew1 16 July 2025

40% rapid charging.