Volkswagen are hoping the ID3 will take them to the forefront of the EV race with projected future sales in the hundreds of thousands. The VW group plan to sell 3 million electric vehicles a year by 2025 with 50 fully electric cars across all brands.
The ID3 is the first to launch on the new MEB platform which will also include a saloon, multiple SUVs and an electric version of the classic VW Campervan. A priority for Volkswagen was to make the ID3 cost effective, which is why it will be made from existing materials as opposed to expensive light weight textiles.
The ID3 will be available with three battery sizes, a 45 kw/h, 58 kw/h and 77 kw/h (only 4 seats instead of 5 due to the weight of the battery) and buyers will have the choice between 148 bhp and 201 bhp power outputs with high ranges estimated at up to 550 kms. All-wheel drive will eventually be available but it’s rear-wheel drive for now. Prices are expected to start around €33,625* (inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT rebate) for the ID3 1st, €40,595* for the ID3 1st Plus and €47,545* for the ID3 1st Max. There are currently four colours to choose from, Glacier White, Moonstone Grey, Makena Turquoise and Manganese Grey.
Volkswagen Ireland customers choosing the ID.3 1st edition will get up to 2,000 kWh of free access at public charging points for a year, using the Ionity network. Buyers reserved their ID.3 with €1,000 using the online reservation system. From the 17th of June, 30,000 models will be up for grabs with delivery to early bookers beginning in September. At market launch in September, the App Connect function and the distance feature in the head-up display won’t be activated.
Volkswagen is investing €33 billion throughout the Group to become a market leader in EV’s with €11 billion earmarked for just the Volkswagen brand. By 2025 Volkswagen expects to have produced 1.5 million electric cars.