An illustrated ID.4 being charged at a charging station

Get the most out of your EV battery

Get the most out of your EV battery

The Volkswagen high-voltage battery turns electricity to mobility in the Modular Electric Drive matrix (MEB). 

Warranty and maintenance for your high-voltage battery

The key element of electric mobility is the high-voltage battery. You’ll find all the important information about battery maintenance, charge management and warranty right here – so you can get the maximum benefit and optimum performance from your ID. vehicle.

An illustrated MEB platform

Good maintenance will get you far 

Like all batteries, a lithium-ion battery is subject to a natural process of ageing and wear. Using it correctly can help maintain its health and capacity. So follow our tips below to help ensure your ID. vehicle maintains not only its range capacity, but also its value in the long term. 

Three golden rules for better range 

It’s relatively simple to take care of your high-voltage battery. Just follow the three golden rules below and you’ve already done the most important things. 

  1. For daily usage, Volkswagen recommends setting the charging target at 80%. Before long trips, Volkswagen recommends setting the charging target at 100% for the highest possible range, and then driving off as soon as possible after charging is completed. 
     
  2. If the vehicle will be unused for longer than 12 hours, leave it parked with a battery charge level of at least 30% and no more than 80% (e.g., at the airport before a trip). 
     
  3. When possible, avoid regular fast charging with direct current (DC).  While suitable for road trips, the high rate of current while DC charging stresses the lithium-ion high-voltage battery more than AC charging. Frequent fast charging can permanently reduce the battery capacity of the high-voltage battery. 

Make your life easier with the charge manager

We recommend using the intelligent charge manager to help ensure your ID. Family vehicle is optimally charged before every trip. Whether you want to set battery charge limits, set charge locations, or choose between immediate or delayed charging, the infotainment system makes it easy to perfectly manage the high-voltage battery.

An illustrated Digital Cockpit with the charge manager on the screen

Different types of driving, different types of charging 

The way you drive is directly related to the way you charge. Both short trips and extended highway journeys have different effects on the optimal charge limit, time and intensity. 

A man unplugging an ID.4
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1.
EU model shown
A woman smiling in an ID.4

Warranty and life cycle

The lifespan and performance of a lithium-ion battery also depend on exterior factors, such as outdoor temperature. The high-voltage battery is warranted for 8 years or 160,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first), for defects in material and workmanship causing a net capacity loss below 70%.*  This provides you with security for the future and proves how important sustainable mobility is to us.

*Warranty does not apply if the defect has been caused by the battery not being used, handled or maintained as described in the owner’s manual. Gradual reduction in battery net capacity over time is integral to the nature of the components and does not represent a defect under the terms of the warranty, as long as the reduction in net capacity is not in excess of 30%.

 

A woman charging her ID.4 in her driveway

Systematic Battery Protection

Our EV batteries have two emergency reserves of power; the first to prevent overcharging, and the second to stop your battery from discharging completely. This way, the batteries are designed to allow your vehicle to access energy in exceptional situations.

Capacity of the Volkswagen ID. battery 

An illustrated battery diagram
  1. Total capacity 
  2. Usable capacity 
  3. Protection against overcharging (4%) 
  4. Protection against total discharge (6%) 

Explaining the ID. Family battery system  

The heart of the MEB platform is a fast-charging battery system consisting of a number of battery modules – depending on the desired range.

Each module contains 12 lithium-ion battery cells that are stacked, folded and enclosed in a flexible outer film. Thanks to the “pouch cell” design, they’re flexible and optimally adaptable to the specific requirements of any EV. In addition, their smooth surface also provides high heat dissipation to help prevent your battery from overheating.

The battery system of the MEB electric platform

An illustrated MEB platform diagram
  1. Battery cells 
  2. Battery modules 
  3. Battery system 
  4. Battery 
  5. Drive system 

Simply electrifying: the lithium-ion battery  

Every lithium-ion battery cell consists of four components: 

  1. Anode  
  2. Cathode  
  3. Separator   
  4. Electrolyte 

During the charging process, the lithium ions travel from the cathode to the anode and are stored there. The electrical energy from the power grid is converted into chemical energy. 

During the discharging process – for example, to power the electric motor – it works the other way round: the lithium ions now travel from the anode back to the cathode and convert the chemical energy back into electrical energy. 

Five main raw materials are needed to produce lithium-ion battery cells: a compound of cobalt, nickel and manganese for the cathode (this structure helps to store the lithium charge carrier), graphite for the anode, and lithium, which is contained in the electrolyte.

The components of the battery 

An illustrated car battery diagram
  1. Anode 
  2. Cathode 
  3. Separator 
  4. Electrolyte 
  5. Charging 
  6. Discharging 

The three Rs of EV batteries


After eight years, or 160,000 km, up to 70% of your EV battery capacity should still be available. Inevitably, there will come a time when the battery is not capable of optimally powering a vehicle. At that time, the battery can be reused, remanufactured or recycled.

An illustrated flow chart with a battery, lightbulb, ID.Buzz, a group of batteries, and raw materials

Reusing

In addition to recycling, battery life extension plays a central role in our group battery strategy. We plan to bundle used vehicle batteries together to form much larger batteries. In turn, these batteries will help power both Volkswagen plants and co-operative projects with cities and suppliers. 

An illustrated flow chart with a battery, a group of batteries, cities, another group of batteries, and a lightbulb

Remanufacturing 

By replacing certain internal components, some used batteries can be used in electric vehicles again. Parts taken from used batteries can also go into storage to be used again later.

An illustrated flow chart with a broken battery, replacement parts, a fixed battery, and an EV

Recycling 

Sooner or later, a battery will need to be recycled. This is done carefully and safely in co-operation with a number of recycling partners, which helps ensure that we keep waste to a minimum.

“The batteries are dismantled, crushed and reprocessed. Here, raw materials such as nickel (28Ni), copper (29Cu) and cobalt (27Co) are recovered in large quantities and can then, for example, be reused in the production of new battery cells.” 

– Tobias Enge, Group Strategist in the business field of e-mobility and infrastructure

An illustrated flow chart with a battery, raw materials, a new battery, an ID.Buzz, and an ID.4
© Volkswagen Canada 2024

Disclaimers by Volkswagen

† Prices shown are MSRP where indicated. MSRP is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and excludes taxes, freight and PDI ($1,950 (Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI and Golf R), $2,100 (Tiguan, Taos, ID.4) and $2,150 (Cross Sport, Atlas), levies, fees, optional equipment, license, insurance, registration, and any dealer or other charges (where applicable). If MSRP is not mentioned, prices shown include freight and PDI, environmental levies, and a $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee amount is set by dealers and varies, up to $500). Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Environmental or related levies and taxes may vary by jurisdiction. Dealer may sell for less. Prices are in Canadian dollars. This is not an offer to sell at a certain price. Actual selling prices and terms are set by dealers. European or American models may be shown. Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate, as errors may occur from time to time, customers should contact their local Volkswagen dealer for details. Photos for illustration purposes only.  Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories.
**Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Taos 1.5T Highline base model with 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission / 2024 Tiguan 2.0T Highline base model with 8-speed automatic with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission /  2024 Atlas 2.0T Execline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a starting MSRP of $37,995/ $45,495 / $60,495. $2,100 / $2,100 / $2,150 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $10 OMVIC fee, $58 PPSA fee and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers.Lease example: 36-month term at 2.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $132/ $154 / $221, $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $530 / $620 / $880 security deposit, and first weekly payment due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $20,483 / $23,951 / $34,406. Residual value is 61% / 61% / 55%.  Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end April 30, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Duties, provincial regulator levies (if applicable) also due at lease inception. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Conditions apply.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
^ Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Atlas 2.0T Execline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission / 2024 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0T Execline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® 4MOTION® transmission having a starting MSRP of $60,495/ $59,395. $2,150 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $10 OMVIC fee, $58 PPSA fee and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 36-month term at 2.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $221 / $214, $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $880/ $850 security deposit, and first weekly payment due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation:$34,406 / $33,267. Residual value is 55%/ 56%.  Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end April 30, 2024  and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.   ^^Rate shown after 0.50% loyalty rate reduction. Loyalty offer available to eligible current Volkswagen owners and previous Volkswagen owners who returned a leased vehicle, or whose finance contract with Volkswagen Financial Services ended, within the past 90 days (some exceptions apply), with purchase or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 Atlas and Cross Sport vehicles. The loyalty rate on any loan or lease, including the discount, will not be below 0.0%. Offer is transferable to an immediate family member living in the same household as the Primary/Co-Primary buyer or lessee. Offer is non-exchangeable for cash. Loyalty reduction applies to Volkswagen Special Rates offered through Volkswagen Financial Services excluding the Dealer Employee Purchase program rates. Valid identification and proof of valid loan/lease for/of Volkswagen that was: (i) active for a minimum of 90 days; (ii) in good standing throughout the term; and (iii) that ended within the 90 days prior to the expiry of this offer, are required. Volkswagen vehicles currently being financed/leased with Volkswagen Finance are not eligible for the rate reduction. Offer expires April 30, 2024 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Conditions apply.  
*** Limited time lease offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Jetta 1.5T Highline base model with 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® transmission having a starting MSRP of $31,595. $1,950 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $10 OMVIC fee, $58 PPSA fee and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500) included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. Lease example: 36-month term at 3.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $128. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, $510 security deposit, and first weekly payment due at lease inception. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Total lease obligation: $19,960. Residual value is 55%. Annual 16,000 kilometre allowance; charge of $0.15/km per excess kilometre. Offers end April 30, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Duties, provincial regulator levies (if applicable) also due at lease inception. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Conditions apply.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada
△△Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 Golf GTI 2.0T Performance base model with 7-speed automatic DSG® with Tiptronic® transmission having a starting MSRP of $42,395. $1,950 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $10 OMVIC fee, $58 PPSA fee and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500) included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 36-month term at 5.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $316. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $4,194 for a total obligation of $49,230. Offers end April 30, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Duties, provincial regulator levies (if applicable) also due at lease inception. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Conditions apply.   
⁑ Loyalty offer available to current Volkswagen owners and previous Volkswagen owners who returned a leased vehicle, or whose finance contract with Volkswagen Financial Services ended, within the past 90 days (some exceptions apply), with purchase or lease of a new, unregistered Volkswagen model. 2 yr VW Prepaid Maintenance Plan provided at no additional cost. If customer purchases longer maintenance, offer will cover the first 2 years / 30,000 km at the value indicated and customer will pay the balance. Plan covers regular maintenance appointments (for services recommended by VW) within 2 years or 30,000 km (whichever occurs first). Visit https://www.vw.ca/en/shopping-tools/prepaid-maintenance.html or your Volkswagen dealer for more details. Valid identification and proof of valid loan/lease for/of Volkswagen that was: (i) active for a minimum of 90 days; (ii) in good standing throughout the term; and (iii) that ended within the 90 days prior to the expiry of this offer, are required. Volkswagen vehicles currently being financed/leased with Volkswagen Financial Services are not eligible for the rate reduction. Offer is transferable to an immediate family member living in the same household as the Primary/Co-Primary buyer or lessee. Offer is non-exchangeable for cash. Offer ends January 2, 2025 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice.
△Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Finance, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 Electric ID.4 PRO AWD base model with single-speed transmission having a starting MSRP of $57,995. $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $10 OMVIC fee, $68 PPSA fee and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500) included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 36-month term at 0.99% APR equals a weekly payment of $396. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $914 for a total obligation of $61,710. Offers end April 30, 2024 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice. ◊◊Amount shown is the maximum incentive provided by the applicable governments. VW does not administer these incentives. BC offers an incentive of up to $4,000 based on income. Amounts and eligibility are subject to change. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and VW makes no representations about the actual amount or eligibility for the incentive. See the provincial or federal administrator for details. Duties, provincial regulator levies (if applicable) also due at lease inception. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Conditions apply.  Visit vwoffers.ca or your Volkswagen dealer for details. “Volkswagen,” the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license. © 2024 Volkswagen Canada.
◊◊Amount shown is the maximum incentive provided by the applicable governments. VW does not administer these incentives. BC offers an incentive of up to $4,000 based on income. Amounts and eligibility are subject to change. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and VW makes no representations about the actual amount or eligibility for the incentive. See the provincial or federal administrator for details.