Volkswagen showed its new electric vehicle the ID.3.Volkswagen will offer a guarantee of eight years or 160,000 kilometers approx (100,000 mi) on ID.3 batteries, thus safeguarding longevity.
The fully electric ID.3 was reveal at IAA 2019. The first model from the MEB product line for electric vehicles demonstrates a CO2-neutral balance and impresses with the high levels of driving dynamics characteristic of electric cars. It has been fully networked and, in the ID.3 1ST special edition, enables electrically powered ranges of up to 420 kilometers (WLTP) with initially three equipment variants. All ID.3 1ST models feature the most popular battery variant that provides a usable energy content of 58 kWh. The series production version will later also offer a smaller battery option with an energy content of 45 kWh and a range of up to 330 kilometers as well as a larger battery with an energy content of 77 kWh and a maximum range of 550 kilometers.
Thanks to its fast charging capability, at a charging output of 100 kW it is possible to recharge the ID.3 1ST with enough energy within 30 minutes to cover a range of around 290 kilometers (WLTP)—a significantly longer range than had previously been possible in the compact vehicle segment.
With external dimensions comparable to the Golf, the ID.3 provides a vehicle interior that is larger than that in any other vehicle in its category. As the basic price for the series production model will be under €30,000 in Germany, (appros $33,000) the vehicle’s price will be comparable to that of typical compact vehicles following the deduction of the anticipated government subsidies—an electric car for the masses.
The ID.3 is the first Volkswagen based on the newly developed, modular electric drive matrix – abbreviated to MEB. All future ID. models will also be exclusively available with fully electric drive. This drive has been optimized around the battery to achieve maximum ranges while keeping costs to a minimum. Thanks to the design approach there are also numerous benefits in terms of the package, i.e. the arrangement of drive components and auxiliary units as well as the space arrangements in the vehicle interior.
The ID.3’s electric drive primarily consists of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor including power electronics and gearbox, which have been integrated into the rear axle. A high-voltage flat battery that has been efficiently arranged in the underbody to save space, as well as auxiliary units, such as air conditioning compressor or steering rack, that have been integrated into the vehicle front end. The power electronics control the high-voltage energy flow between motor and battery and in this process, the system converts the direct current (DC) stored in the battery to alternating current (AC) for the drive motor.
The 12 V DC electrical system is simultaneously supplied with low voltage by a DC/DC converter. Power is transmitted from the motor to the rear axle using a 1-speed gearbox. Motor, power electronics and gearbox form a compact unit. The position of the battery in the underbody has a positive effect on the neutral handling characteristics, as it causes the ID.3’s center of gravity to be very low, like in racing cars. The ID.3 is also characterized by ideal weight distribution between front axle and rear axle. In combination with the standard rear-axle drive this results in outstanding performance.
First model of an entire family. The ID.3 is the first vehicle of an entire family and all members of the Volkswagen ID. range will feature the ID. designation. Its clear objective is to help electric mobility break through on the mass market. ID. stands for intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies. In this process, ID. is not an abbreviation for a certain term, but rather symbolically represents the various properties united in these vehicles: automated driving with zero emissions, intuitive operation and personalized networking.
At series production launch the ID.3 will be available with three battery sizes. The ID.3 1ST special edition model is based on the mid-range battery variant.
Bringing sustainability to life. The ID.3 is Volkswagen’s first vehicle produced with a carbon-neutral balance along the entire supply chain. Sustainability is already brought to life with battery production: consequently, cell production facilities for batteries in the ID.3 exclusively use naturally produced energy, as do component production, body manufacture, the paint shop and assembly facilities of the ID.3 at the Zwickau plant. The Saxon Volkswagen plant is the pilot factory for the ID.3. It has been externally provided with renewable energy generated by hydroelectric power stations since 2017.
However, should CO2 emissions be unavoidable along the supply chain, these will be compensated by investments in climate protection projects. In this way, dealerships will be able to handover the ID.3 to customers as a product with a CO2-neutral balance. In an effort to also retain a CO2-neutral balance during the usage period, ID.3 drivers can then make use of Volkswagen subsidiary Elli’s comprehensive range—from naturally produced energy agreements for homes to charging points at all 4,000 European Volkswagen dealerships and service centers. In addition, the joint venture Ionity, in which Volkswagen owns a stake, aims to install 400 ultra-fast charging stations along main European routes by 2020 that use 100 percent renewable energy—providing it is available in the respective country. Volkswagen is also working on a secondary usage concept for high-voltage batteries as part of stationary operation. Furthermore the company is developing closed loop recycling concepts to be able to guarantee carbon-neutral balance characteristics at the end of the vehicle’s service life.
Free energy for the ID.3 1ST.
Volkswagen WeCharge provides buyers with the option to charge their ID.3 1ST vehicles free of charge for one year from the first day of vehicle registration up to a maximum of 2,000 kWh. This applies to all charging stations linked to WeCharge including the Ionity network which amounts to more than 100,000 charging points throughout Europe.
Visionary design. Thanks to its newly developed design DNA, the ID.3 is immediately identifiable as a zero emission vehicle—with the potential of becoming a new automotive icon. Most of all, its innovative merging of design and technology puts the ID.3 on the same level as the iconic Beetle and Golf. It demonstrates the design of a new era and links its natural shape and intuitive usability with the characteristic Volkswagen smile. Designed for an electrifying future, it brings a new design quality to the compact vehicle category thanks to perfect, seamless aesthetics. For example, following the concept of “light is the chrome of the future”, the vehicle uses LED lighting in multiple areas to stage the ID.3 design.
Most importantly, the ID.3 sends a signal: the ID.3 interacts with people. This is consistent with a clear, reduced style, maximum precision of all components, a charismatic front section, iconic, striking C-pillars, flowing surfaces and emphatic, expressive wheels featuring sporty, 18-, 19- or 20-inch light-alloy wheels that promise a completely new driving experience from the outset. “With the ID.3, Volkswagen is heading towards the future”, explains Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer of the Volkswagen brand. “The natural style and absolutely intuitive user experience demonstrate a new, electric way of thinking.”
.At the launch of the ID.3, Volkswagen is offering charging stations to recharge at home. The ID. Charger will be available in two versions generating different charging outputs. The charging station is optionally also available with data link and remote access, if required also with an integrated electricity meter. Depending on the version, the units also include Connectivity functions, such as app control or remote servicing. Once installed, ID.3 drivers can thus simply and conveniently connect and charge the car overnight. In terms of pricing, all wall boxes will be made available at prices significantly under those common on the market nowadays.
The model will only be available in Europe.