Mark Irwin
RMS Regular
Had an VW ID3 out for an extended test drive over the weekend and decided to see what the real world range was like on a typical winters day here. I set off on Sunday morning before 9am from Dungannon with the battery fully charged showing a potential range of 184 miles (VW claim up to 262 in ideal conditions). Outside temperature was 7 degrees C, it was wet and very windy so I had the lights and wipers on. Climate set to 22.5 degrees and heated seat and steering wheel set to medium. Interestingly maximum regeneration was not available until 28 miles had elapsed. I headed from Dungannon via the M1 to Belfast with the ACC set at 70 mph and sat at all posted speed limits after that. Used westlink and then headed up the M2/A26 towards Ballymena before veering off at Ballymoney towards Bushmills via Dervock on the B66. I then headed to Portush and then Portstewart where I had a cup of tea and sausage roll in Morelli's. Started up again and headed towards Coleraine before picking up the A29 towards Dungannon where I arrived after a total of 3 hours 30 minutes driving time at an average of 46mph. I had travelled 163 miles with 11 miles and 5% showing left on the battery. It did not seem to limit the power once battery was getting low like the E Golf. Thought it should have done a bit more than this but it was a fairly tough if representative test as EV batteries don't like 70mph and colder temperatures/wind. It was a very comfortable car to drive with great suspension and traction being rear wheel drive. Turning circle is excellent but it kept telling me to stay in the middle of the road even when I was. Lane assist does not seem to be able to see the solid white line at the side of the road. Very nice car but still a bit expensive.