Volkswagen ID 7 Achieves Record Range of 584 Miles at Slow Speed
Volkswagen has set a new record by achieving an impressive 584 miles of range with the standard Volkswagen ID 7, albeit at a slow speed of just 18mph. The brand conducted a test to determine the optimal driving conditions for the ID 7, selecting a Pro S model with an 86kWh battery for the experiment. This version is officially capable of 441 miles between charges according to WLTP testing.
The test took place at the Nardò Proving Ground on a day with temperatures ranging between 5deg C and 15deg C. The chosen driving speed of 18mph was chosen to mimic the flow of rush-hour traffic in major European cities, where speeds typically range from 14mph to 19mph according to data from TomTom.
Driving at a slower speed of 18mph allows the ID 7 to overcome less friction and aerodynamic drag, resulting in a significantly higher efficiency. The car was able to cover a distance of 584 miles before running out of charge, with an impressive efficiency figure of 6.8 miles per kilowatt-hour (mpkWh) – surpassing the WLTP results of 441 miles and 5.1mpkWh.
Volkswagen credits the ID 7’s new APP550 motor, designed for maximum efficiency, and its low drag coefficient of 0.23 for this achievement. Martin Sander, VW’s sales, marketing, and aftersales boss, praised the ID 7 for outselling the petrol-powered Passat in its segment. He emphasized that the ID 7 is a viable option for long-distance drivers and as a company car, showcasing its electric capabilities.
