By Staff Reporter

It’s been long coming and it is finally here, an all-electric mass production VW car, the ID.3. Volkswagen are hoping that this car will not be just be another EV but will lead a revolution for electric cars, much like the Beetle did for conventional cars when it was introduced decades ago.

All-new electric ID.3 car

Although it takes the shape of a conventional hatch, the ID.3 is the first of many VW EVs based on the modular MEB platform. The ID.3 will also offer a fair amount of space as an EV that has been designed from ground up and with a battery pack that has been mounted underbody to save space. This will delight 30,000 customers who have already pre-ordered the ID.3.

Range and battery pack

Customers will get a choice of three different battery pack options with a range of up to 550 km on a single charge. At the base is a 45-kWh battery with a range of up to 330 km which is followed by a 58-kWh battery with a range of up to 420 km (but this is only available for the ID.3 1^st Launch Edition). Topping the range is a 77-kWh battery pack that can reach an impressive range of up to 550 km on a single charge. Volkswagen says a 100-kW quick charger should afford the ID.3 a range of up to 290 km in 30 minute. Impressive.

VW has not released performance figures but says the car will accelerate rapidly thanks to its electric motors that push out 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque

Interior and standard specification

In order to entice customers, VW is offering generous standard specification at launch with the ID.3 1^st Launch Edition. Customers can look forward to a 10-inch touch 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, as standard. Those opting for the higher spec Plus model can look forward to a rear view camera system, adaptive cruise control, keyless access locking and starting system, design seats, ambient lighting, tinted windows, matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels. A range topping ID.3 1^st Max will add a head-up display, Beats premium sound system, panoramic roof, and 20-inch wheels. This equipment in the ID.3 1^st Max 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.

Local availability is yet to be confirmed but expect this to make its way to South Africa in the not so distant future.