In this decade, when it comes to
electric-powered cars presenting themselves as the most affordable of their
type (considering how they tend to be expensive to begin with), Tesla has been
one of the most vocal with this pertaining to their Model 3 sedan. But they are
hardly the only e-vehicle manufacturer that is looking to make lower-cost cars
for the general public. Established automakers such as Volkswagen are in the
race too, and their own efforts at developing an affordable car with an
electric motor may have come into fruition. While it will not be available
until next year, they can unveil it now.
The Verge reports that Volkswagen has made its first presentation
of the ID.3, their affordable-range electric-powered car. It was first debuted
at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show recently, though it is not until 2020 that it
will roll out for interested buyers. The Volkswagen ID.3 offers reasonably long
ranges on a single full charge, to be classified into three possible variants
with ranges from 205 to 340 miles. What is interesting is its prospective price
tag, which Volkswagen indicates to be “less than €30,000.” That specific value
in US dollars is equivalent to $33,180, below the initial $35,000 asking price
for Tesla’s “Standard Range” version of the Model 3 sedan.
At first glance, the Volkswagen
ID.3 comes across as an electric-motor variant of their gasoline-powered Golf
hatchback, which might be the point considering its development story. This is
the first Volkswagen e-vehicle using their new modular all-electric platform,
which is the German automaker’s trump card in firmly establishing itself as a
major e-car manufacturer. The modular electric platform is also being pushed in
Volkswagen’s partnership with eClassics that will allow conversion of older
Volkswagen Beetles and Microbuses from gas-powered engines to electric, for a
fee.
Volkswagen elaborates that their
basic model ID.3, which has the 205-mile/330-kilometer range on a 45kWh
battery, is the one variant guaranteed to be priced below €30,000.
They offered no pricing estimates for the other two higher-end variants, with
respective specs of 58kWh battery for 261mi/420km, and 77kWh for 340mi/550km.
The basic-range ID.3 can only charge at a rate of 50kW, with a beefed-up price
to up the rate to 100kW, which in turn is the standard rate for the second-tier
58kWh variant. The ID.3’s battery pack will also be covered by warranty from Volkswagen
for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
Unfortunately for the US,
Volkwagen is focusing its ID.3 marketing in Europe, with no plans for a
Stateside or China release next year. Looks like Tesla will maintain its Model
3 prominence for a time.
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