Volkswagen’s ID.3 full-electric model readies for Frankfurt debut

Volkswagen ID.3 as significant to the brand as the Beetle and Golf are.

THE first model from Volkswagen’s new fully electric ID. family will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

VW promised the new ID.3 has a ground-breaking design, greater ranges, impressive driving dynamics and a spacious interior.

The car leads the brand’s electric mobility theme at its exhibition stand at the Frankfurt show. To be displayed alongside the ID.3 are concept models in the ID. family.

Like all other ID. models, the ID.3 is based on VW’s new modular electric drive matrix (MEB), which has been specifically designed for electric drive use. This, VW said, ensures the models will have largest possible interiors.

According to VW, the ID.3 follows the Beetle and the Golf to introduce the third major chapter of strategic importance for the history of the Volkswagen brand.

It added concerns about battery range are a thing of the past with the ID.3 because the model has three battery sizes available; 77 kWh net, 58 kWh net and 45 kWh net. A range between 330 kilometers and 550 kilometers is possible depending on the battery selection. An excellent charging capacity means a range of around 290 kilometers can be achieved in only 30 minutes of recharging.

VW said it also guarantees the ID. batteries for eight years, or 160,000 kilometers.

Production of the ID.3 is due to start at the end of 2019. The first vehicles are due to arrive by mid-2020.