Volkswagen hits 5,000 EVs with 80% charge cap over fire risk

Owners of select Volkswagen and Cupra models are currently blocked from charging their vehicles beyond 80 percent due to a battery overheating and fire risk. The Volkswagen Group is readying a recall for specific ID 3, ID 4, ID 7, ID Buzz, and Cupra Born models built between 2022 and 2025 to verify that battery components meet quality standards. While a recall in other markets also covers Audi Q4 E-tron models from that era, the SUV is absent from the UK notice. Autocar understands the notice impacts roughly 5,000 vehicles in the UK out of a global total of 85,000. Volkswagen stated the affected cars use batteries from an unnamed supplier containing components that may fail to meet high-quality standards, potentially overheating past 80 percent charge and presenting a fire risk. VW warned this could cause serious or life-threatening injuries to occupants and bystanders, alongside major property damage. While no injuries are confirmed, VW reported some property damage. An over-the-air update has enforced an 80 percent charge limit ahead of vehicle checks, cutting owners off from their full driving range. Based on official WLTP data for the ID 3, losing 20 percent of capacity equals between 40 and 70 miles of lost range. Volkswagen has reached out to retail customers where feasible, notified fleet firms, and posted warnings on brand websites. VW noted that battery technical faults are not necessarily recognizable, meaning all 5,000 units require inspection, though no timeframe was provided. Owners will be contacted with instructions; some vehicles will require a one-hour physical workshop safety check and potential battery module replacements, while others can be checked and updated over the air.