Volkswagen has finally officially unveiled its much awaited new electric car, the ID.3. The deliveries for the first edition will begin from June 2020. This is the mid-range version priced at under 40.000 euros. The cheapest version priced at under 30.000 euros won’t be available before 2021…
Let’s see some highlights of the press release.
At series production launch, the ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic variant has a usable energy content of 45 kWh and enables an electrically powered range of up to 330 kilometres (as per WLTP). The entry price for this ID.3 version is under €30,000. Alongside this is a battery variant with 58 kWh, which enables the ID.3 to achieve a range of up to 420 km (as per WLTP). The energy content of the largest battery is 77 kWh, and its electric range is up to 550 kilometres (as per WLTP). Thanks to its fast charging capability, it is possible to charge the ID.3 sufficiently for a range of around 290 kilometres (WLTP) within 30 minutes, using a charging output of 100 kW.
The batteries themselves are integrated into the underbody. This positioning has a positive effect on driving dynamics, as it moves the centre of gravity in the ID.3 significantly lower. The ID.3 is also characterised by optimum weight distribution between front axle and rear axle.
New Volkswagen ID.3 interior
The first edition – the ID.3 1st – has a 58 kWh battery which is driven by an electric motor at the rear axle. It generates 150 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310 newton metres, facilitating a maximum speed of 160 km/h for this 5-door vehicle. The ID.3 1st is priced at under €40,000.
The ID.3 1st will be offered in three fixed configurations that are geared towards typical customer preferences. In addition, the paintwork colour and the vehicle interior’s colour can be selected.
The basic version of the ID.3 1st includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.
The ID.3 1st Plus additionally features a rear view camera system, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control and the Kessy Advanced keyless access locking and starting system. The vehicle interior of the ID.3 1st Plus also includes design seats, a centre console with two USB-C connections and ambient lighting. Forming part of the exterior equipment scope are tinted windows, the exterior Style package in silver, matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1st Max, also includes an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, the Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof as well as 20-inch light-alloy wheels. This equipment scope is supplemented by a lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, a lane change system, telephony featuring contactless high-voltage battery charging and comfort seats.
Battery costs roadmap by Volkswagen
The Volkswagen ID.3 will be available with three battery size options.
Volkswagen ID.3 Standard Range
Volkswagen ID.3 Mid Range
Volkswagen ID.3 Long Range
The Volkswagen ID.3 is definitely an interesting electric car. However, Volkswagen – just like any other legacy automaker – will only be serious about electric cars in Europe after 2021, due to how EU emission regulations work. I’ll explain this in more detail in a proper article.
