Volkswagen ID.3 – the ease of driving an electric car, the comfort of a larger car

Antti Järveläinen

November 6, 2020

Volkswagen id3 front angle 2020

When Volkswagen announces that the new model is the successor to the Bubble and Golf, it makes even the uninformed jump to attention. In Volkswagen’s words, the ID.3 opens a strategically significant new chapter in the brand’s history.

Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition Max — Key Specs
Engine
Electric
Power
150 kW (204 hp)
Range
409 km (WLTP)
Consumption
16.1 kWh/100km
Drivetrain
RWD
0–100 km/h
7.3 s
Battery
58 kWh
Seats
5

Expectations are high, but the ID.3’s design does not exactly inspire a great deal of initial jubilation – on the one hand, the design language is appropriately unusual and simple for an electric car. However, the design reveals clever and spacious space solutions, without forgetting the car’s aerodynamics, which ultimately affect electricity consumption.

For the most part, the car has been designed with user experience and ease of use in mind. A fully keyless entry system makes it easy to get going, and good space makes passengers comfortable.

Driving style, speed and environment have a big influence on the performance of the car. In autumn weather conditions, electricity consumption during the test drive was around 18 kWh/100km. The 58 kWh (net) battery provides a range of just over 300 km. In varied driving conditions, the operating range is around 300-350 km, but with a greener attitude and behaviour you can go beyond 350 km.

Photo by Antti Järveläinen.

The first ID.3 models imported to Finland are the 1st ID.3 models. Edition models, all with the same 150 kilowatt (204 horsepower) electric motor. The battery net charge in all 1st. Edition is 58 kWh.

The ID.3 models to be introduced in Finland in the future will have a net battery capacity of between 45 and 77 kWh, depending on the model. The electric motors have a power range of 93-150 kW. All ID-3 models are rear-wheel drive.

Photo by Antti Järveläinen.

Volkswagen ID.3 1st. Edition Max

  • Total maximum power: 150 kW, 204 hp.
  • Maximum total torque: 310 Nm.
  • Driving battery capacity: 58 kWh (net), 62 kWh (gross)
  • Declared range on a single charge: 409 km.
  • Acceleration: 7.3 sec (0-100 km/h)
  • Declared combined consumption: 16.1 kWh/100km.
  • Curb weight: 1794 kg.
  • Drive mode: rear-wheel drive
Gear lever. Photo by Antti Järveläinen.
Photo by Antti Järveläinen.
Photo: Antti Järveläinen.
Photo: Antti Järveläinen.
Photo: Antti Järveläinen.
Photo: Antti Järveläinen.

What is the range of the Volkswagen ID.3?

The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition Max with its 58 kWh net battery offers a WLTP range of 409 km on a single charge. In real-world autumn conditions during the test, consumption was around 18 kWh/100km, giving a practical range of 300 to 350 km, and over 350 km with very economical driving.

How much power does the Volkswagen ID.3 have?

The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition Max is fitted with a single 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor on the rear axle, producing 310 Nm of torque. This is enough for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of 7.3 seconds, while smaller battery variants in the wider ID.3 range use motors between 93 and 150 kW.

What is the battery capacity of the Volkswagen ID.3?

The ID.3 1st Edition uses a 58 kWh net (62 kWh gross) lithium-ion battery, giving the 409 km WLTP range. The wider ID.3 line-up offered net capacities of 45, 58 and 77 kWh depending on the trim level, all powering rear-wheel-drive electric motors.

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