X

Volkswagen ID 3 wants to make electric cars common

When the series production cars launch, VW quotes a price under $34,000 at exchange rates.

Sean Szymkowski
It all started with Gran Turismo. From those early PlayStation days, Sean was drawn to anything with four wheels. Prior to joining the Roadshow team, he was a freelance contributor for Motor Authority, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports. As for what's in the garage, Sean owns a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and yes, it has Holden badges.
Sean Szymkowski
volkswagen-id-3
1 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

The Volkswagen ID 3 bowed on Monday ahead of its formal debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show

volkswagen-id-3-10
2 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Consider this the Beetle or Golf for the 21st century as it marks the automaker's turning point toward an all-electric future portfolio. 

volkswagen-id-3-11
3 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Don't consider it for your next car if you live in the US -- we'll get our first ID model soon, though it'll be a crossover SUV to suit the US market's tastes.

volkswagen-id-3-12
4 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

VW said in its announcement that it will bring the ID 3 into the world with the ID 3 First Edition in three flavors: the basic ID 3 1st, 1st Plus and 1st Max.

volkswagen-id-3-13
5 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Naturally, the price and equipment level increases with each tier.

volkswagen-id-3-14
6 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

All three 1st Edition cars boast a 58 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery good for 261 miles of range (420 kilometers based on European WLTP estimates).

volkswagen-id-3-15
7 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

A 45-kWh model will boast a price under $34,000 (at current exchange rates) before any tax credits or incentives, VW promised.

volkswagen-id-3-16
8 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Under the simple metal is the MEB platform -- the key to VW's electric-car portfolio in the years to come.

volkswagen-id-3-17
9 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

At the rear axle sits the electric motor, making 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, a one-speed transmission and the power electronics. 

volkswagen-id-3-18
10 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Sandwiched between both axles is the flat lithium-ion battery, tucked low into the vehicle for center-of-gravity benefits.

volkswagen-id-3-19
11 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow

Keep clicking to see more of the Volkswagen ID 3.

volkswagen-id-3-2
12 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-20
13 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-21
14 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-22
15 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-23
16 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-24
17 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-25
18 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-3
19 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-4
20 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-5
21 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-6
22 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-7
23 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-8
24 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
volkswagen-id-3-9
25 of 46 Andrew Hoyle/Roadshow
Volkswagen ID 3
26 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
27 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
28 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
29 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
30 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
31 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
32 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
33 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
34 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
35 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
36 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
37 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
38 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
39 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
40 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
41 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
42 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
43 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
44 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
45 of 46 Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID 3
46 of 46 Volkswagen

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos