Volkswagen prepares recall of several electric cars

Volkswagen appears to be preparing a recall of electric cars. Manufacturing defects in individual battery cells that Volkswagen sourced from a supplier could, in the worst case, cause temperatures to rise enough to start a fire. That is reported by auto motor und sport and Handelsblatt, among others.

The affected models are reportedly the VW ID.3, ID.4 and Cupra Born, but other cars built on the MEB platform may also have the problem. Importantly, apparently not all cars in these model lines are affected. Volkswagen is investigating the issue internally and then plans to launch a recall through the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, KBA). It has not yet been decided what the specific fix at dealerships will be. Internally, the measure is called “93MF”.

Battery Care mode permanently enabled

As an initial measure, Battery Care mode will be permanently enabled in affected cars. It caps the charge level at 80%. Under normal operating conditions, it is enabled by default and users have to turn it off when needed. A software update will temporarily disable this option until Volkswagen determines how to fix the problem. Some users were prompted in the app not to fully charge the battery. A related recall is already underway in the U.S., and Volkswagen is preparing one in the U.K. In the U.S. market, 22,000 ID.4 drivers have been told to charge to no more than 80% for now.

(mfz)