The Volkswagen ID.3 Electric Hatchback: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

For those keen on an overview of the Indian electric vehicle (EV) market and the benefits of zero-emission electric driving, simply scroll down to the end of the article!

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The VW ID.3 Electric Hatchback

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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 all-electric ID.3
• The all-electric ID.4
• The all-electric ID.4 GTX
• The all-electric e-up!
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Saloon
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
• Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
• Golf Plug-In Hybrid

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 ID.3 five-door hatchback launch model ‘ID.3 1^st 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.

For families and company-car drivers keen to migrate to electric driving via a more affordable electric car, the VW ID.3 is certainly worth considering. The pure electric Volkswagen has a 58 kWh (Pro Performance) onboard EV battery. It is true, in that, the more recent introduction of electric cars have a larger EV battery, but given the positioning of ID.3 electric car, primarily as an affordable family car, the 58 kWh battery size is appropriate.

The manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 265 miles (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the EV should be able to deliver an electric range over 225 miles. A useful and practical EV range for most day-to-day needs and for longer distance motorway driving.

For those new to electric driving, a number of factors impact the claimed range. These include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, wheel size, onboard services used, passenger load and more. The electric car also incorporates regenerative braking to increase the efficiency and electric range.

The VW EV offers DC charging up to 120 kW, which is more than sufficient given the size of the onboard EV battery. At 120 kW DC, the EV can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. Just enough time for a coffee and short motorway break.

The EV does incorporate a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Given that most homes in India are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. For those with access to three-phase (11 kW) charging at home or at work, the EV can be fully charged in 6 hours and 15 minutes. For single-phase EV charging it will take up to 9 hours 30 minutes to fully charge.

Though the EV can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car. The EV will take up to 31 hours to charge up to 100% via a 3-PIN socket. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity prices are lower. We also recommend charging on a regular basis. This way charging times are reduced and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. The manufacturer offers a 8 years/ 100,000 miles warranty. 

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive VW ID.3 electric car can achieve 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds (maximum power: 204 PS). The top speed for the EV is 99 mph. Of course the electric car also benefits from instant torque.

The VW EV has a host of features on offer, to include: lane assist, park assistance plus with front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, dynamic road sign display, front assist – autonomous emergency  braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring and more. The electric car has a 385 L boot space.

The Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Decent pure electric range	Will disappoint those seeking a futuristic styling and design
120 KW DC charging	Infotainment system could be improved
11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger as standard	Interior materials feel cheap

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The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 (credit: VW)

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Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).

In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	Hatchback
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (1 Option)
ID.3 Life

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 58 kWh
Charging:	120 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-100%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (6 hrs 15 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1568
Width (mm):	1809
Length (mm):	4261
Wheelbase (mm):	2770
Turning Circle (m):	10.2
Boot Capacity (L):	385

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VW ID.3
EV Battery Capacity:	58 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	265 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/ 62 mi):	15.3
Charging:	120 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-100%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (6 hrs 15 mins)
Top Speed:	99 mph
0-62 mph:	7.3 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):	110
Max Power (PS):	204
Torque (Nm):	310
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	1,813
Colours:	7
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India. Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk). In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Benefits Of Electric Driving

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The benefits of electric driving are many, with significant advantageous over petrol and diesel internal combustion (ICE) engine cars, for all stakeholders. These benefits include:

• Lower to zero-tailpipe emissions
• Lower running costs
• Lower taxes
• Lower maintenance costs
• Lower noise pollution
• Convenience of charging at home
• Smoother drive
• Instant torque for acceleration
• Lower environmental impact

Below we have highlighted three of our favourite benefits of owning and driving an electric car.

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Improved Air Quality

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or all-electric vehicles do not have tailpipe pollution. In fact, such electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. improving air quality. While, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. The sooner we migrate to electric driving in India, the sooner we can improve air quality for all our cities, towns and villages. Lower air pollution will also result in a reduced number of health issues arising from inhaling toxic pollutants.

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Lower Maintenance & Running Costs

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Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to maintain and drive. Pure electric cars have far fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The fewer the moving parts, the lower the probability of repair and maintenance. Moreover charging an electric car can cost as little Rs 50 per 100 kilometres! A full charge can cost between Rs 100 and Rs 200. Significantly cheaper than filling a tank of petrol or diesel!

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Lower Noise Pollution

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Yes, we in India are far more resilient to noise pollution than those living in the western world. We have certainly got used to horns blaring and engines roaring, day and night. But that does not mean we enjoy or welcome noise pollution. In fact, quite the opposite!

Though much focus has been on the advantageous of ‘air quality’ with an electric car, just as important, is the benefit of lower noise pollution. In fact, pure electric cars are silent, with an inbuilt ‘sound booster’ to increase road safety for pedestrians. As our cities in India and across the world become densely populated with cars, the significant negative impact on ‘quality of life’ as a result of increased noise pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles, is just as dangerous, as increased air pollution. Battery-electric cars are a perfect solution in reducing noise pollution and increasing the living standards for us all. Of course, one can only hope that the self inflicted ‘horn blaring’ pollution will also reduce!

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