Affordable Volkswagen Electric Car to Be Unveiled at Frankfurt
Volkswagen South Africa provided a lot of clarity at the 2019 Festival of Motoring regarding the importance of electric models to the future of VW. In fact, VW is so close to realising this electric future that they have confirmed the official debut of their first ever electric car to be built on the new MEB platform – the Volkswagen ID3.
Volkswagen will reveal the new electric model next week at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany, emphasising the launch to be of equal significance to the launch of the Beetle and Golf. This makes sense because, like the Beetle and Golf, the ID3 is the beginning of an entirely new chapter for VW especially in the wake of the dieselgate incident.
“The ID.3 follows the Beetle and the Golf to introduce the third major chapter of strategic importance for the history of the Volkswagen brand. Back in mid-May, Volkswagen enjoyed a successful launch taking pre-bookings for the ID.3 1st Edition, an exclusive special edition boasting fantastic levels of equipment, limited to a run of just 30,000 vehicles.” says Volkswagen in one of their latest press releases.
The Volkswagen ID3 will be released in three variants. The entry level variant will feature a 45kWh battery pack that will enable a range of around 330km based on the WLTP standard. The mid-range option is powered by a 58kWh battery and will allow a range of 420km to be travelled before needing to be recharged. The high-end model will feature a 77kWh battery, with an impressive range of 550km.
We also know that the VW ID3 will be somewhat of an affordable option in terms of buying a fully electric vehicle. Volkswagen Germany has confirmed that they will be pricing the ID3 in their market from €30,000. Converted into Rands, this works out to just over R500,000.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen ID3 cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen ID3 is expected to cost around R500,000 in South Africa based on the German pricing of €30,000, though final SA pricing hasn't been confirmed yet.
Q: What is the range of the Volkswagen ID3 electric car?
The ID3 comes in three variants with ranges from 330km for the base 45kWh model, 420km for the mid-range 58kWh version, and up to 550km for the top-spec 77kWh battery pack.
Q: Is the Volkswagen ID3 worth buying over other electric cars?
The ID3 offers excellent value at around R500,000 with competitive range figures and Volkswagen's reputation for build quality, making it a solid choice for SA buyers looking to go electric without breaking the bank.
Q: When will the Volkswagen ID3 be available in South Africa?
Volkswagen hasn't confirmed exact SA launch dates for the ID3, but given the Frankfurt debut and global rollout plans, expect it to arrive in South Africa within the next 12 to 18 months.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Volkswagen ID3 looks like the best affordable electric car under R600,000 in SA when it arrives. With pricing starting around R500,000, you're getting proper German engineering, up to 550km range, and the peace of mind that comes with buying from an established brand rather than taking a punt on unknown Chinese alternatives. The ID3 represents VW's serious commitment to going electric after the diesel scandal, so you know they've put their best foot forward. If you're ready to make the jump to electric and want something reliable that won't leave you stranded, the ID3 should be top of your list.
