VW finally introduced the production version of the ID 3. So the 30,000 pre-orders now know what their car will look like. Specific details are still not out, but it uses liquid cooling for the three battery options. "Speaking of the battery, once the production of regular ID.3 models begins, customers will be able to choose from three different options. The base model has a 45-kWh battery for a range of up to 205 miles (330 km) at a single charge measured by the WLTP. Above that is the 58-kWh battery with an autonomous range of 261 miles (420 km) – this option is the only one available for the ID.3 1ST launch edition. The range-topping offering has a 77-kWh battery pack for up to 342 miles (550 km) on a single charge" (divide by 1.4 for a rough EPA estimate.) VW ID.3 Debuts As People's Electric Car With Up To 342-Mile Range "All ID 3 models will include AC onboard charging at up to 11 kw, with DC fast charging at up to 125 kw. For the base battery, VW says that it will only include a 7.2-kw onboard charger and 50-kw fast-charging, although 100-kw fast charging is optional." VW ID 3 electric car bows at Frankfurt, heads for European deliveries next year The first link includes VW's press release.
Volkswagen promises to keep the price for the entry-level version below €30,000 in Germany, which translates to roughly $33,300 at the current rates. So if the base model has a 45-kWh battery for a range of up to 205 miles WLTP (~145-150 miles EPA), that places it in the same class as the 40 kWh battery ~150 mile range EPA non-ePlus Nissan Leaf starting at $29,990 MSRP. Granted the VW has several specs that are otherwise superior, but the base Leaf can also be had for substantially below MSRP before government incentives. Also understood is that this VW won't sell here in the States and we would have to compare Leaf prices to ID 3 in the same markets they are sold.
The leaf's offset crash results are nothing to write home about. VW will not have to wait 'till the battery cools in order to QC multiple times after its 1st QC session on hot summers either - the way leaf has to. .
I have reason to believe it’s closer to 160 miles (80% of WLTP) under EPA but it’s all speculation since we’ll never know. The LEAF 40kWh is rated at 168 miles WLTP so the ID.3 has a 37 mile advantage.
The Euro price is after tax, that is how car prices are normally reported for there, and before incentives. The VAT is 19%, so pretax is €25,210. About $27,900, but pricing varies between markets. Insideeves reports the Leaf prices as €39,900 and €45,500 for the short and long range versions. Nissan Announces LEAF e+ Prices For Europe And Japan There is a Leaf factory in the UK, so import taxes shouldn't be a factor.
