VW ID High-Voltage Battery Warranty: The Ultimate Guide

As electric vehicles revolutionize the automotive landscape, Volkswagen stands at the forefront with its high-voltage EV batteries.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate details of Volkswagen’s EV battery warranty, unraveling the promises and protections that come with these cutting-edge power sources.

Whether you’re a current VW EV owner or considering making the switch to electric, this guide aims to provide you with the knowledge needed to navigate the world of EV warranties confidently.

What is the Warranty on the VW High-Voltage EV Baterries?

Volkswagen AG guarantees the customer buying a brand new EV that the usable capacity of the battery in this vehicle will not fall below 70% within 8 years, or up to 160,000 kilometres driven, whichever comes first as long as the vehicle is used correctly.

That being said, the 8 year (or up to 160,000 km) warranty applies to the following electric vehicles.

  • Volkswagen ID.7
  • Volkswagen ID.5
  • Volkswagen ID.4
  • Volkswagen ID.3

What are the Conditions of the Warranty?

Over time, it’s normal for the amount of energy a battery can hold to decrease slowly. This happens especially with high-voltage batteries in electric vehicles. This gradual reduction is expected and isn’t considered a defect that’s covered by warranty.

However, there is a warranty for EVs that covers significant loss of battery energy content. This warranty lasts for 8 years or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

If, during this warranty period, a qualified Volkswagen repairer finds that the battery’s energy content is less than 70%, it will be fixed or replaced under warranty.

But, this is only applicable if the reduction in energy content wasn’t caused by things beyond the manufacturer’s control.

These include unauthorized handling of the battery, not following the recommended usage and maintenance in the owner’s manual, exposing the battery to fire or excessive water, and other similar actions.

The repair will restore the battery’s performance based on the vehicle’s mileage/age at the time of diagnosis:

  • Up to 40,000 miles or three years after registration (whichever comes first), the battery will be fixed to have at least 78% of its original capacity.
  • Up to 60,000 miles or five years after registration (whichever comes first), the battery will be fixed to have 74% of its original capacity.
  • Up to 100,000 miles or eight years after registration (whichever comes first), the battery will be fixed to have 70% of its original capacity

Does VW Extended Warranty Cover High-Voltage Battery?

Unfortunately, the Extended Warranty doesn’t cover batteries of all kinds, including high-voltage batteries.

If the warranty for your car is almost done, or if you don’t have one yet, you can get an Extended Warranty. It gives you different protection choices and can help you feel secure. You can buy it starting at just £140 per year.

However, as it’s stated in the Extended Warranty Cover Booklet “We will not pay for batteries of all kinds (such as high voltage batteries, including inner parts and housing).

Only some components are covered, including fan motor for high-voltage battery, and vehicle internal charger for high-voltage battery (without charging cable).

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 to Claim the Warranty and What to Expect During the Process?

If you encounter any problems with the battery during the warranty period, it’s essential to act promptly. Here’s what you can expect when making a battery warranty claim:

  1. Diagnostic Check: First, the Volkswagen must be brought to an authorized Volkswagen Retailer for a diagnostic check to determine the issue with the battery, and to measure if its state of health is below 70%.
  2. Repair or Replacement: If the battery is found to be faulty, the autorized Service Center will either repair or replace it under warranty, depending on the extent of the issue.
  3. Warranty Coverage: If the battery is repaired or replaced under warranty, the remaining coverage of the original battery warranty will continue to apply.

Also read: EV Battery in Hot Temperature: 5 Things to Know

Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Battery Replacement

Decreased battery capacity: If battery capacity has dropped below 70% when warranty still applies, it’s a sign of problem

Rapid loss of charge: If your vehicle is not holding a charge as long as it used to or is losing charge more rapidly, it could indicate an issue with the battery.

Reduced driving range: If you’re not able to go as far on a single charge as you did when the vehicle was new, this could also be a sign that the battery is deteriorating.

Slow charging: If your vehicle is taking longer to charge than it used to, it could indicate that the battery is struggling to hold a charge.

Warning lights or messages: Most electric vehicles have warning lights or messages that will indicate when there is an issue with the battery. If you receive a message or see a warning light related to the battery, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible.

Unusual noises or vibrations: If you hear unusual noises or feel vibrations that you haven’t experienced before, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the battery or the electrical system.

How to Operate Your Car to Ensure That Your VW Battery Warranty Remains Valid?

To keep your Volkswagen’s battery warranty valid, it’s important to use your car in a way that matches the company’s suggestions. Here are some simple tips to follow:

Avoid Letting the Battery Get Too Low: Don’t let your car’s battery go very low frequently. This can make the battery last longer. Try to keep it between 20-80%, and don’t let it go below 20%.

Charge the Battery Regularly: Charge your car’s battery regularly to keep it healthy and avoid problems from not charging enough. Volkswagen recommends charging the battery at least once a week.

Use the Right Charger: When charging your Volkswagen’s battery, use the charger that Volkswagen recommends. Using chargers not approved by Volkswagen can damage the battery and cancel the warranty.

Avoid Really Hot or Cold Weather: Very hot or cold weather can affect how long the battery lasts. Try to park your car in a covered area when you can, and avoid leaving it in extreme temperatures.

Follow Volkswagen’s Maintenance Advice: Do the regular check-ups that Volkswagen suggests, including checking the battery and updating the car’s software. This helps keep the battery healthy. Make sure to get your car serviced at a Volkswagen dealership.

What’s the Cost of VW EV High-Voltage Battery Replacement?

Here is how much you need to pay for a new battery.

Car ModelBattery Size (kWh)Estimated Replacement Cost (£)
Volkswagen ID.7777,700
Volkswagen ID.5777,700
Volkswagen ID.4525,200
Volkswagen ID.3585,800

The estimated replacement costs provided in the table might be higher in reality as the prices do not include potential labor charges. Labor costs for battery replacement can vary.

However, before considering battery replacement, it’s worth exploring alternative options that can save you money. One alternative is to refurbish the battery rather than replacing it entirely.

Refurbishing involves replacing only the damaged or worn-out cells of the battery instead of the entire unit. This process can be significantly cheaper than battery replacement, and it can extend the life of your existing battery.

Another option is to buy a used battery from a reputable source. This can be a cost-effective solution, but it’s important to ensure that the battery has been tested and certified as safe and reliable.

Some car dealerships or specialized electric vehicle shops may also offer refurbished or used batteries for sale.

If you’re looking to save money on battery replacement or refurbishment, you can consider reaching out to independent mechanics or specialized EV repair shops.

These shops may have lower labor costs than dealership service centers, and they may also offer competitive pricing on battery replacement or refurbishment.

What’s the Lifespan of a High-Voltage VW Battery?

The longevity of VW electric batteries is a critical concern for prospective buyers and current owners alike. The typical lifespan of a VW battery spans even up to 15-20 years, depending on various factors.

Driving habits, environmental conditions, and adherence to proper maintenance practices play pivotal roles in determining the overall health and lifespan of the hybrid battery.

Volkswagen employs advanced lithium-ion battery technology in its electric models. These batteries are designed to provide reliable and efficient performance over an extended period.

On average, the battery on the VW EVs should last between 300,000 to 400,000 miles (480,000-640,000 km) before experiencing a significant decline in capacity.