This is why the electric Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 have 'obsolete' drum brakes

Drum brakes on the rear axle are only found on smaller, cheaper cars. But why does Volkswagen still mount them on the ID.3 and ID.4, which cost more than 30,000 euros? Both are relatively heavy (the ID.4 exceeds 2000 kilograms) and therefore need good brakes to be able to come to a safe stop - even in an emergency.

Citroën DS one of the first production cars with disc brakes

Long ago all cars had drum brakes. The Citroën DS was one of the first production models with discs on the front axle in 1955. Drum brakes have the main disadvantage that they lose braking power quite quickly when they get hot. This is less important on the rear axle, because the front brakes (now always discs) provide the most stopping power.

Drum brakes on Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 for more range

Drum brakes are cheaper than disc brakes, but that's not why the ID.3 and ID.4 have them, according to Volkswagen. Drum brakes provide less resistance while driving. With disc brakes, the brake pads always rub against the discs a little bit, even when they are not in use. And that could negatively affect the range of the ID.3 and ID.4.

Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 mainly slow down on the electric motor

Two other reasons are that drum brakes do not release brake dust into the atmosphere (the dust remains in the drum) and that they immediately perform optimally after a long period of non-use. Because don't forget: the ID.3 and ID.4 brake to a large extent on the electric motor to recover energy. The brakes are therefore used much less often than with a fuel car.