Is the automotive industry now facing the next scandal? After the emissions scandal VW The industry is now threatened with renewed trouble. ADAC tests indicate cheating in terms of range and battery capacity.
Specifically, it dealt with Business Week in their current issue with the question of reach. Investigations by the ADAC raise the suspicion that something is wrong. Drivers have long suspected that electric cars don’t last as long as the manufacturer promises.
VW back in focus
According to the report in Wirtschaftswoche, the ADAC suspects that some manufacturers are providing information about the Range could be dishonest and cheat on the actual battery capacity. Particular attention should be paid to Volkswagen (VW). Tests have shown that the batteries in some VW Group models may have less capacity than originally stated.
Does the Volkswagen ID.3 keep its promises? The ADAC checks the manufacturer’s information
The ADAC is currently testing the VW ID.3 for its battery capacity. The VW ID.3 is undergoing long-term testing at the ADAC Technology Center. When measuring the battery capacity at 20,000, 80,000 and 10,000 kilometers, the tests are said to have determined a capacity of around 69 kilowatt hours.
This is in contrast to the manufacturer’s information, which should provide the driver with 77 kilowatt hours. E-car experts suspect that VW hides part of the battery capacity and can release it via software command, for example if the battery loses storage capacity over time. This saves VW the expensive replacement of the battery. The costs for this are between 10,000 and 30,000 euros depending on the vehicle.
What does this mean for consumers?
The law firm of Dr. Stoll & Sauer is one of the leading law firms in the diesel emissions scandal; they represent those affected in the model declaratory action against VW and currently against Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Managing director and lawyer Christian Grotz also commented on the current report to Wirtschaftswoche.
He confirms that such hidden reserves would probably not be legally acceptable because customers have purchased a stated battery capacity and the manufacturer cannot simply keep any part of it. Incorrect performance information could result in significant Claims for damages lead.
The lawyer notes that customers could potentially make warranty or guarantee claims if it turns out that the battery capacity is actually less than advertised by the manufacturer. Furthermore, a criminal offense could be prosecuted if it can be proven that manufacturers systematically acted at the expense of buyers.