Volkswagen caps fast charging on new electric compact cars

Tests of Volkswagen’s latest MEB+ electric compact models, such as the Cupra Raval and the ID Polo, show that the vehicles can charge from 10 % to 80 % state of charge in roughly 23–24 minutes, achieving just over 100 kW of power on modern fast‑chargers. After reaching the 80 % threshold, the software deliberately reduces charging power to around 20 kW, creating an abrupt slowdown. The Raval endurance test, with a 52‑kWh battery, confirmed a realistic highway range of about 300 km in summer conditions, while the ID Polo exhibited a similar flat charging curve and power drop beyond 85 % SOC. Volkswagen’s strategy trades larger battery capacity for higher efficiency in the lower charge band, but the imposed software limit limits the advantage of fast‑charging for long‑distance travel.

Both models therefore deliver acceptable city‑range performance, yet the enforced charging ceiling diminishes the practical benefit of rapid top‑up on longer trips.