Overview

• The ADAC drove six EVs—VW ID.3, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Volvo EX40, BYD Seal and Nio EL6—to empty at its Penzing test center to observe zero‑percent behavior.
• All vehicles issued progressive low‑charge alerts starting around 15–20% state of charge, with power cutbacks as the display entered single digits; initial warning thresholds varied by model.
• At a displayed 0% the cars continued on a built‑in reserve for roughly 15–20 kilometers with sharply reduced performance before shutting down.
• ADAC cautions that this buffer is not dependable in cold conditions, on uphill sections or with aging batteries, and notes the tests were run under ideal conditions.
• Drivers are advised to avoid full depletion to protect battery health and to use mobile charging or flatbed recovery if stranded, since towing on wheels and Autobahn stoppages can lead to damage and fines.