Are you wondering how expensive is battery replacement in your Golf GTE?
In this article, you will get to know everything about it.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a short summary of the article:
The cost of replacing battery in the Golf GTE should range from $3,000 to $7,000 (£2,500-£5,800). The exact cost depends mostly on labor cost, and supply and demand.
Golf GTE Battery Basics
The battery in the Golf GTE is a 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is responsible for powering the electric motor and providing electric-only driving range of up to 31 miles (50 km).
While the battery is designed to last for the life of the vehicle, over time its performance can degrade due to factors such as age, temperature, and usage patterns.
As the battery degrades, it may not hold its charge as well as it did when it was new, resulting in a reduced driving range and decreased performance.
Battery replacement can be a significant expense, so it’s important to consider this when purchasing a pre-owned Golf GTE or when budgeting for the cost of ownership.
Regular maintenance and following recommended charging practices can help extend the life of the battery and delay the need for a replacement.
When to Replace the Battery in Your Golf GTE?
There are several signs that may indicate that your Golf GTE battery needs to be replaced. The most obvious sign is a decrease of at least 20% in the vehicle’s electric range.
If you’re not able to travel as far on a single charge as you were when the vehicle was new, it could be a sign that the battery is losing its capacity. Degradation of range over the 30% warranty criteria is a sign that you need to think of battery replacement.
Additionally, you may notice a decrease in the vehicle’s overall performance, such as slower acceleration or reduced power output.
Other signs to watch out for include issues with charging the battery or a battery warning light appearing on the dashboard.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified technician to determine if the battery needs to be replaced or if there’s another underlying issue.
The technician will be able to perform diagnostic tests and evaluate the battery’s performance to determine if a replacement is necessary.
Additionally, if your vehicle is still under warranty, it’s important to check the specifics of your warranty to see if battery replacement is covered.
Are Golf Battery Replacements Covered Under Warranty?
Volkswagen covers manufacturing defects of the lithium-ion battery and associated components for 8 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first.
This means that if a part fails, such as a battery cell or a high voltage cable, Volkswagen will cover the parts, labor, and other expenses associated with the repair (such as a loaner vehicle and, in some cases, towing expenses).
Volkswagen also provides a warranty clause that covers battery replacement due to degradation.
For PHEVs, the battery energy content degradation warranty lasts for 5 years or up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first, for the first vehicle owner only. This warranty is not capable of assignment or transfer to subsequent vehicle owners.
Where the battery energy content of the high voltage battery is measured by a Volkswagen authorised repairer and is found to be less than 70% during the warranty period, then it will be replaced or repaired so that it measures a minimum of 70% of the starting value, or replaced under warranty subject.
Important: EV battery replacement can cost $1000s. To avoid high-voltage battery replacement, there are some things you can do. Read this article to find out the 10 best ways to maximize EV battery life and save tons of money!
How Long Will a Golf GTE Battery Last?
Generally, electric vehicle batteries last 15-20 years, or 100,000-200,000 miles (160,000-320,000 km) but some factors may reduce their lifespan.
For instance, batteries may degrade faster in hotter climates as heat does not pair well with EVs. Additionally, charging the battery at a Level 3 station overheats it as the process is too quick.
As a result, currently, EVs are projected to lose an average of 2.3% of their battery capacity each year.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Golf GTE Battery?
The cost of replacing an 8.8 kWh battery in a plug-in hybrid vehicle like Golf GTE will depend on several factors.
On average, an 8.8 kWh battery replacement can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000 (£2,500-£5,800). However, the cost can vary significantly depending on the battery condition (used or new), and labor cost.
To compare, a replacement battery for a Nissan Leaf, which has an 8 kWh battery pack, can cost around $5,500 (£4,500). Similarly, a replacement battery for a Chevy Spark EV, which has an 18.4 kWh battery pack, can cost around $6,000 (£5,000).
It’s worth noting that in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace individual cells within the battery pack rather than the entire pack. However, this approach may not be possible with all types of batteries.
Overall, the cost of replacing an 8.8 kWh battery in an electric vehicle can be significant, but it’s important to know that prices fluctuate, and the exact cost will be different for everyone.
Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know
What Factors Affect the Golf GTE Battery Replacement Cost?
- Battery Age and Condition: The age and condition of the battery can also impact replacement costs. Older batteries or batteries that have been poorly maintained may be more prone to failure and could require more expensive repairs or replacements.
- Supply and Demand: As with any product, supply and demand can affect the cost of EV battery replacement. If replacement batteries are in high demand but low supply, prices are likely to be higher.
- Labor Costs: Labor costs associated with battery replacement can also vary widely depending on location, shop rates, and expertise. EV batteries can be complex and require specialized knowledge and tools to replace, which can add to the overall cost of the replacement.
How to Prolong the Lifespan of the Golf GTE Battery?
- Avoid charging the battery to 100% or letting it completely discharge. Instead, aim to keep the battery’s charge level between 20% and 80% as much as possible. Charging to 100% or discharging to 0% can put more stress on the battery and reduce its overall lifespan.
- Avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, while low temperatures can reduce its performance. If possible, park the car in a garage or a shaded area during hot weather.
- Use regenerative braking when driving. Regenerative braking can help to recharge the battery while driving and reduce the amount of wear and tear on the brakes.
- Drive the car regularly. If the car is left unused for long periods of time, the battery may degrade faster. Regularly driving the car can help to keep the battery healthy.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance. This can include things like regular software updates and cooling system checks. Regular maintenance can help to detect any potential issues with the battery early and prevent more serious problems from occurring.
Summary
Golf GTE batteries should last even up to 20 years. While battery capacity gradually decreases over time, certain factors such as frequent fast charging and exposure to high temperatures can accelerate the process.
If a replacement is necessary, it can be quite expensive.
To minimize battery degradation, it is recommended to avoid excessive fast charging and prevent your car from overheating in the sun.
Although it may not entirely prevent battery aging, these practices can potentially extend the lifespan of your EV battery by a year or two.