The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition is the manufacturer’s first ‘purpose built electric vehicle’ and it has now arrived by sea in the United Kingdom. It has therefore been pictured emerging from a ship in the Port of Grimsby having travelled from a manufacturing plant in Zwickau, Germany. This is a significant milestone for the manufacturer so let us summarise the new vehicle’s strengths.
What is it?
The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition might best be perceived as a small, family class, hatchback – albeit one powered exclusively by a quiet, zero emission, electric motor. It is therefore a similar size to its sibling, the Volkswagen Golf Hatchback. It also has other traits typical of the class such as 5 doors, a 385 litre boot, hatchback tailgate, and family friendly features such as folding rear seats.
Power and range
The Volkswagen ID.3 produces 204 PS via its zero emission motor. That is a lot for a fairly small vehicle, so expect 0 - 62mph in only 7.3 seconds. The maximum speed is 99 mph where permitted by law. Furthermore, the car has single speed automatic transmission and power is only sent to your rear wheels.
Volkswagen claims the range is 260 miles per-charge. This is based on the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) that launched in 2017, and more realistically represents real world performance than the previous standard. As needed, the 58 kWh battery can be recharged quickly via a 100 kW rapid charger. The range can be increased by 180 miles in 30 minutes.
Equipment
The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition has a high equipment specification to emphasise its status in the range. Highlights include: ambient lighting (with thirty colour options), automatic emergency braking to minimise the risk of collision, satellite navigation, rear camera which makes it easier to manoeuvre in tight spots, heated seats, keyless entry system, and a leather steering wheel.
Volkswagen praises ID.3 First Edition
Andrew Savvas, Managing Director at Volkswagen UK, said: ‘The ID.3 has officially arrived in the UK. This milestone is the dawn of a new mobility era for VW. The aim is to provide accessible electric mobility for millions – not just millionaires. I cannot wait to see these first ID.3 cars out on the road’, he added.
Price and availability
The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition costs £38,880. However, the Government’s Plug-in Car Grant slashes the cost to £35,880. This includes the ‘We Charge’ card that lets you recharge your vehicle, for free, for a year. It is ‘equivalent’ to 2,000 kWh or £500, Volkswagen says. This electric car is available to order now.
