Volkswagen has introduced its new ID Promise program, giving customers up to 100 days to test drive electric vehicles before making a final decision. The initiative runs through March 31, 2026.
The program covers Volkswagen’s entire ID lineup – the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and ID.7 Tourer models.
Customers get between 80 and 100 days to decide if their electric vehicle fits their lifestyle. If they’re not satisfied, they can return the car to their dealer for a 97% refund.
Building Confidence in Electric Vehicle Adoption
The ID Promise targets buyers who feel uncertain about switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles. Volkswagen designed the program to give these customers enough time to get comfortable with electric driving.
Recent research supports Volkswagen’s confidence in the program. Autotrader’s Road to 2030 report found that four out of five EV buyers would likely purchase another electric vehicle for their next car.
The Road to 2030 Report tracks electric vehicle adoption progress in the UK as the country approaches its 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales.
“Official figures show more than 1.3 million UK motorists have already converted to electric, and time and time again our customers tell us they would never go back to petrol or diesel having made the move,” said Rod McLeod, director of Volkswagen UK. “But there are many more people who want to go electric but feel unsure. This straightforward initiative gives them the perfect opportunity to ‘drive and decide’ with no strings attached.”
Charging Infrastructure Shows Strong Growth
UK Government data shows the public charging network expanded by 23% in just one year. Since October 2024, operators have installed 15,979 new public chargers nationwide.
This growth rate reflects increasing confidence in electric vehicles and improvements to charging infrastructure. While public charging costs more than home charging, several charge point operators have introduced special rates and subscription services to reduce costs.
Be.EV has cut its ultra-fast charging rate to 39p per kilowatt-hour. The Manchester-based operator says this pricing makes charging an electric vehicle cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel car.
Instavolt offered a 50p per kilowatt-hour “Summer Special” rate across various UK charging sites during summer months.
The combination of Volkswagen’s extended trial period and expanding charging infrastructure addresses two main concerns potential EV buyers often cite – uncertainty about daily electric driving and charging availability.
