Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle(EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years. The portfolio of VW EVs include:
The launch of the Volkswagen ID.3 five-door family hatchback is part of the company’s broader strategy, to offer affordable EVs to the mass-market via the VW ID. family range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The 2020 ID.3 was first shown as the concept ID prototype electric car at the Paris Motor Show in 2016.
The all-new ID.3 five-door hatchback launch model ‘ID.3 1st Edition’ was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The EV model has been positioned as an affordable electric car for ‘everyone’. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) ID.3 model is marked as ‘3’, as this will be the third most important chapter for the German automotive company, after the Beetle and Golf models.
The plug-in electric car uses the MEB bespoke electric platform. Manufacturing commenced in November 2019. As another first for Volkswagen, the ID.3 is carbon neutral upon delivery to its customers. The pure electric ID.3 has received positive reviews from Auto Car, Auto Express and What Car?. According to What Car “There are few electric cars that ride any better, unless you spend an awful lot more dosh.”
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 (credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:
Hatchback
Engine:
Electric
Available In India:
No
Trims (8 Options)
ID.3 City
ID.3 Style
ID.3 Life
ID.3 Business
ID.3 Family
ID.3 Tech
ID.3 Max
ID.3 Tour
PROS
CONS
A good option for families looking to switch to pure electric driving
Will disappoint those seeking a futuristic styling and design
Design is ‘familiar’ and not futuristic
Infotainment system could be improved
Good range and vast options of battery sizes
Interior materials feel cheap for some variants at higher price
Plenty of space (boot and interior)
Rear view slightly limited
Good performance
Software delays
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in three battery size (45 kWh, 58 kWh, 77 kWh)
Charging:
50 kW rapid charging standard. Mid-range models 100kW and top-end model 125kW
Charge Port:
Type 2
EV Cable Type:
Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:
0g (CO2/km)
ID.3 City Pure Performance
EV Battery Capacity:
45 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
217 miles (combined)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
292 miles (city)
Charging:
50 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 11kW AC)
Top Speed:
99 mph
0-62 mph:
8.9 seconds
Drive:
Rear-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):
110
Max Power (PS):
150
Torque (Nm):
310
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
5
Doors:
5
Unladen Weight (kg):
1,772
The VW ID.4 Electric SUV
The series production of the all-electric VW ID.4 commenced in August 2020 at the company’s factory in Zwickau (Germany). The ID.3 VW hatchback electric car is also manufactured at the same location. The pure electric ID.4 is a compact crossover, well suited for families, seeking practicality and ample interior space. The ID.4 EV is a good all-rounder and a decent option for those seeking to migrate to zero-emission electric driving.
The all-electric ID.4 SUV will be manufactured in the US in 2022 and is also expected to be manufactured in China. According to Thomas Ulbrich, a Volkswagen board member, “Given the major societal challenges of recent months, the successful start of ID.4 series production is an exception achievement.” The ID.4 is the second electric vehicle (EV) to use the bespoke MEB platform, after the all-electric ID.3.
The pure electric SUV can be charged at home via a dedicated home EV charging station. Those with a 3-phase supply can take advantage of the 11kW on-board charger. The VW ID.4 EV is capable of rapid charging (125 kW) at public electric car charging points (199 electric miles in just 30 minutes).
The ID.4 GTX EV is the sportier performance version of the ID.4 variant. The pure electric SUV can be charged at home via a dedicated home EV charging station. As most homes in the UK are single phase, maximum charging will be up to 7.4 kW. However, those with 3-phase supply can take advantage of the 11kW on-board charger. The VW ID.4 GTX EV is capable of rapid charging (125 kW) at public electric car charging points.
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.4 GTX SUV (credit: VW)
The Volkswagen e-up! is a city car that was launched as an internal combustion engine (ICE) model in 2011. The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variant was launched in 2013 at the International Motor Show Germany. The original pure electric e-up! had a 18.7 kWh lithium-ion EV battery. The second-generation all-electric VW e-up! was announced in 2019.
The compact EV has been positioned as a zero-emission city electric car. The VW electric hatchback is available in only one battery option (32.3 kWh), with a range up to 220 miles (WLTP). The electric hatchback is suitable for city driving and even day trips! The electric car has a 7.2 kW on board charger and is capable of rapid DC charging up to 40 kW.
The All-Electric Volkswagen e-up! (credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:
Hatchback
Engine:
Electric
Available In India
No
Trims (1 Option)
e-up!
PROS
CONS
A good option for pure electric city driving
Limited interior space
Well equipped
Lacks automatic emergency braking
Easy to drive
Limited range for out of city trips
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in one battery size (32.3 kWh)
Charging:
40 kW rapid charging standard. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC
Charge Port:
Type 2
EV Cable Type:
Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:
0g (CO2/km)
VW e-up!
EV Battery Capacity:
32.3 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
159 miles (combined)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
220 miles (city)
Charging:
40 kW Rapid Charging (on-board charger: 7.2kW AC)
Top Speed:
81 mph
0-62 mph:
11.9 seconds
Drive:
Front-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):
61
Max Power (PS):
82
Torque (Nm):
210
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
4
Doors:
5
Unladen Weight (kg):
1,235
Colours:
8
The Volkswagen Passat GTE PHEV Saloon
The Volkswagen Passat (B8) was introduced in 2014. The B8 is the eight-generation in the VW Passat series, and it was the first VW passenger car to be based on the stretched version of the MQB platform. The GTE plug-in hybrid variant was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and was on sale in 2015. The PHEV received a facelift in 2018.
The Volkswagen plug-in electric saloon has a 13 kWh EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of 36 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition and the services used in the e-saloon, expect a real world range closer to 30 miles. However, that would be more than sufficient for most daily commutes using the EV battery.
The Volkswagen Passat Saloon PHEV(credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:
Saloon
Engine:
Petrol/Electric (1.4 TSI 6-speed DSG)
Available In India:
No
Trims (2 Options)
Passat Estate GTE
Passat Estate GTE Advance
PROS
CONS
A practical family car that is environment-friendly
Electric range is limited
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range
Other better value alternatives available
A familiar exterior styling
Boot space limited due to EV battery
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in one battery size (13 kWh)
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Top Speed:
138 mph
0-62 mph:
7.4 seconds
Drive:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):
N/A
Max Power (PS):
218
Torque (Nm):
250
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
5
Doors:
4
Unladen Weight (kg):
1,732
Colours:
6
The Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV
The Volkswagen plug-in electric estate has a 13 kWh EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of 34 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition and the services used in the e-estate, expect a real world range closer to 29 miles. However, that would be more than sufficient for most daily commutes using the EV battery.
The Volkswagen Passat Estate PHEV (credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:
Estate
Engine:
Petrol/Electric (1.4 TSI 6-speed DSG)
Available In India:
No
Trims (2 Options)
Passat Estate GTE
Passat Estate GTE Advance
PROS
CONS
A practical family estate car that is environment-friendly
Electric range is limited
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range
Lacks inspiration
Pleasant to drive
Boot space limited due to EV battery
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in one battery size (13 kWh)
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Charge Port:
Type 2
EV Cable Type:
Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:
28g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:
3 years or 60,000 miles
Passat Estate GTE
EV Battery Capacity:
13 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
34 miles
Fuel Consumption (mpg):
249.3 (combined)
EV Operation Efficiency (Wh/km):
151.33
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Top Speed:
138 mph
0-62 mph:
7.6 seconds
Drive:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):
N/A
Max Power (PS):
218
Torque (Nm):
250
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
5
Doors:
5
Unladen Weight (kg):
1,754
Colours:
6
The Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV SUV
The Volkswagen Touareg SUV (4X4) was introduced in 2002. The vehicle has been named after the nomadic people from northern Africa, the Tuareg people. The Touareg shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7 SUVs. The Touareg R PHEV was revealed in early 2020.
The Volkswagen plug-in electric SUV has a 14.3 kWh EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of 28 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition and the services used in the e-SUV, expect a real world range closer to 23 miles. However, that would be more than sufficient for most daily commutes using the EV battery i.e. driving emission-free and also saving money (the running cost per mile of an EV is far lower than a petrol or diesel car). Bottom-line driving on electric miles is both cost efficient and eco-friendly!
The ‘R’ styling is has an upgraded and distinctive exterior appearance, to include, newly designed bumpers, upgraded radiator grille, air intakes and an overall sportier look. The VW plug-in electric SUV is practical and family-friendly, with amply space for short and long commutes. The electric vehicle (EV) is cheap to run on the zero-emission electric mode.
The Volkswagen Touareg R PHEV SUV (credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:
SUV
Engine:
Petrol/Electric (3.0 TSI PHEV)
Available In India:
No
Trim (1 Option)
Touareg R
PROS
CONS
A practical and spacious family SUV that is environment-friendly
Electric range is limited
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range
Not a Porsche Cayenne (some interior materials feel cheap)
An enhanced exterior styling
A seven-seat option not available
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in one battery size (14.3 kWh)
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Charge Port:
Type 2
EV Cable Type:
Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:
68g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:
3 years or 60,000 miles
Touareg R 462PS 4MOTION
EV Battery Capacity:
14.3 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):
28 miles
Fuel Consumption (mpg):
94.2 (combined)
EV Operation Efficiency (Wh/km):
246.78
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Top Speed:
155 mph
0-62 mph:
5.1 seconds
Drive:
All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):
N/A
Max Power (PS):
462
Torque (Nm):
450
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
5
Doors:
5
Unladen Weight (kg):
2,468
Colours:
9
The Volkswagen Golf 8 PHEV Hatchback
The Volkswagen Golf 8 (Mk8) hatchback is the eight generation of the iconic VW Golf hatchback series. VW Golf cars have been sold since 1974. The Golf has won a number of prestigious motoring accolades over the past 6 decades. The latest iteration of this best-selling vehicle, the Golf 8, was launched in 2019 in Germany. The Golf GTE variant is a high-performance PHEV of the VW Golf and is built on the Volkswagen MQB platform.
The Volkswagen plug-in electric hatchback has a 13.0 kWh EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of 40 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition and the services used in the e-hatchback, expect a real world range closer to 35 miles. However, that would be more than sufficient for most daily commutes using the EV battery.
The Volkswagen Golf 8 PHEV (credit: VW)
At A Glance
EV Type:
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:
Hatchback
Engine:
Petrol/Electric (1.4 TSI eHybrid)
Available In India:
No
Trim (2 Options)
Style
GTE
PROS
CONS
A practical and spacious family hatchback that is environment-friendly
Electric range is limited
Cheap to run on zero-emission electric range
Cheaper hatchback PHEV alternatives available
An enhanced exterior styling of this iconic hatchback
Infotainment system can be improved
EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:
Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:
Available in one battery size (13.0 kWh)
Charging:
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
DC rapid charging not available. On board charger 3.6 kW AC
Top Speed:
138 mph
0-62 mph:
7.4 seconds
Drive:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):
N/A
Max Power (PS):
204
Torque (Nm):
250
Transmission:
Automatic
Seats:
5
Doors:
5
Unladen Weight (kg):
1,590
Colours:
10
Buy Electric Driving Products
Sign up for e-zoomed news and offers
This site uses technical cookies to guarantee an optimal and fast navigation, and analysis cookies to elaborate statistics. You can visit the Cookie Policy to get more insights or to block the use of all or some cookies, by selecting the Cookie Settings. By choosing Accept, you give your permission to use the abovementioned cookies.
When you visit any web site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Control your personal Cookie Services here.
