The Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S electric vehicle (EV) has exceeded its official WLTP range by a significant margin, covering an impressive 794 km (493 miles) on a single battery charge. This achievement not only surpasses the EV’s maximum WLTP range of 709 km (around 440 miles) but also sets a new benchmark for EV performance in real-world conditions.

According to Volkswagen, a remarkable journey covering a total distance of 794 km (493 miles) took place in the Zug metropolitan area, just south of Zurich, Switzerland. The route was an 81-kilometer circuit that included a mix of main roads, motorways, and country roads. The drive spanned over two consecutive days, totaling 15 hours and 42 minutes of net driving time. Throughout the trip, the vehicle maintained an average speed of 51 km/h (32 mph) and achieved an impressive average consumption of 10.3 kWh/100 km, significantly below the WLTP rating of 13.6 kWh/100 km.

The EV used for this test was the ID.7 Pro S, equipped with an 86-kWh net battery capacity. Despite not being optimized for maximum range, the ID.7 Pro S exceeded expectations in terms of efficiency. Key features of the vehicle include a drag coefficient of 0.23 (depending on equipment), a WLTP consumption range of 16.2 to 13.6 kWh/100 km, and a maximum WLTP range of up to 709 km in its most favorable configuration.

Additionally, the ID.7 Pro S supports rapid charging, allowing for 244 km (around 151 miles) of range to be added in just 10 minutes at 200 kW and achieving a 10-80% charge in around 26 minutes.

The journey was completed under real-world driving conditions, with eight different drivers navigating through typical traffic flows. The test vehicle came equipped with several optional features, including a comfort package, the IQ.DRIVE assist systems package, the Plus exterior package, and a heat pump. These optional additions typically reduce the vehicle’s WLTP range to about 700 km, making the final result of 794 km even more noteworthy.

The record-breaking attempt was led by Felix Egolf, a Swiss driver well-known for his “hypermiling” expertise, a driving technique aimed at maximizing vehicle efficiency. Egolf has a history of setting records with Volkswagen EVs. In 2020, he completed a 531 km (around 329 miles) journey in an ID.3 1st from Zwickau, Germany to Schaffhausen, Switzerland. In 2021, he covered 602 km (around 374 miles) in an ID.3 Pro S, navigating across 15 Alpine passes with a total altitude change of 13,000 meters.

This achievement demonstrates the potential for EVs to exceed range expectations in real-world scenarios. The ID.7 Pro S’s performance, equivalent to a diesel consumption of about 1.1 liters per 100 km, underscores the efficiency of modern electric powertrains.

Volkswagen’s optional Electric Vehicle Route Planner further enhances the ID.7’s practicality for long journeys. This system optimizes routes based on current battery charge and available charging stations, considering real-time traffic data to ensure efficient and convenient travel.

Read More: Volkswagen To Integrate ChatGPT To Select 2025 Models With Advanced Voice Assistance

As EVs continue to evolve, achievements like this serve to alleviate range anxiety and showcase the viability of EVs for long-distance travel, potentially accelerating their adoption in the broader automotive market.

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