The all-electric Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S has significantly exceeded its official WLTP range in a real-world driving test conducted by Volkswagen Team Switzerland. The test car achieved a staggering 794 kilometers (493 miles) on a single charge, surpassing the model’s WLTP range of up to 709 kilometers (440 miles).
Real-World Range Beats WLTP Figures
Led by Felix Egolf, a renowned electric car long-distance driving expert, the team drove the ID.7 Pro S on a defined route within the Zug metropolitan area south of Zurich. The 81-kilometer loop included a mix of highways, main roads, and hilly country roads, reflecting typical daily driving conditions.
Eight drivers took turns behind the wheel throughout two consecutive days, achieving the impressive 794-kilometer range. This distance is roughly equivalent to driving from Basel, Switzerland, to Emden, Germany, where the ID.7 is manufactured.
Exceptional Efficiency and Hypermiling Expertise
The test achieved an exceptionally low average consumption of 10.3 kWh/100 km, significantly better than the model’s lowest WLTP value of 13.6 kWh/100 km. Translated to diesel consumption, this translates to just 1.1 liters per 100 km, highlighting the car’s remarkable efficiency.
Felix Egolf, a “hypermiler” known for pushing the boundaries of electric car range, credits his expertise in energy-efficient driving for achieving this feat. He previously set records with the ID.3, surpassing its theoretical range by driving 531 km and 602 km on single charges, respectively.
Aerodynamics and Equipment Play a Role
The ID.7 Pro S’s outstanding efficiency stems from a combination of factors. Its new, highly efficient electric drive system and excellent aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 depending on equipment, contribute significantly to its impressive range.
The test car wasn’t even equipped with the most range-favorable options package. While the tested model included the Comfort package, IQ.DRIVE assist systems package, Plus exterior package, and a heat pump, a car with the most range-optimized options is estimated to achieve a WLTP range of up to 709 km.
Fast Charging and Route Planning Enhance Efficiency
The ID.7 Pro S also boasts impressive charging capabilities. With a 200 kW DC charger, the car can regain enough energy for approximately 244 km of driving in just 10 minutes, making quick charging stops a breeze. Additionally, the car can be charged from 10% to 80% in roughly 26 minutes.
Further enhancing efficiency is the car’s optional Electric Vehicle Route Planner. This system considers the current battery charge and available charging stations to calculate the optimal driving route. It identifies the most suitable charging points along the way and plans necessary charging stops to ensure a smooth and efficient journey, taking real-time traffic data into account for the quickest and most convenient route.
What This Means for Electric Car Drivers
The success of this real-world test drive underscores the potential for electric cars to achieve significantly higher ranges than their official WLTP figures suggest. With efficient driving techniques, favorable weather conditions, and carefully planned routes, electric vehicles can now offer drivers a more extended range than ever before, alleviating concerns about “range anxiety” on long journeys.
The ID.7 Pro S emerges as a compelling option for drivers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and highly efficient electric car with exceptional range capabilities. With its combination of performance, advanced technology, and real-world driving prowess, the ID.7 Pro S appears poised to be a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle market.
