In just a few days’ time, the first model from Volkswagen's new fully electric ID. family will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) to be held from September 10-22. The ID.3 is the first fully electric model based on the new MEB (modular electric drive matrix) platform. The highlights of the new ID.3 are its  ground-breaking design, greater ranges, impressive driving dynamics and spacious interior.

Electric mobility is the key topic at Volkswagen exhibition stand at this year’s IAA. Not only will the ID.3 be on show, but there will also be studies on other models in the ID. family forming part of the exhibition. They will follow on in rapid succession from the ID.3.

Like all other ID. models, the ID.3 is based on the new MEB platform, which has been specifically designed for electric drive use, ensuring the largest possible vehicle interior.

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 1^ST Edition, an exclusive special edition boasting fantastic levels of equipment, limited to a run of just 30,000 vehicles.

Keeping range anxiety at bay
Volkswagen says any concerns about battery range are a thing of the past with the ID.3. That's because the ID.3 has three different battery sizes available; a large battery (77 kWh net), a medium-sized battery (58 kWh net) and a small battery (45 kWh net). A range of between 330 and 550 kilometres (as per WLTP) is possible depending on the battery selection.

VW says thanks to its excellent charging capacity, a range of approximately 290 kilometres can be recharged in just 30 minutes (at 100 kW charging capacity). Volkswagen will also guarantee the capacity of the ID. batteries for eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

The base price for the ID.3 series production model will be below the 30,000 euros (Rs 24 lakh) mark in Germany. Another highlight with the Group’s first electric vehicle is the fact that the ID.3 will be carbon-neutral over its service life if buyers consistently charge their vehicles using renewable energy.

Volkswagen offers assurance on performance; the ID.3 1ST will accelerate rapidly, due to its rear-wheel drive and 150 kW / 204 PS engine performance. Production of the ID.3 is due to start as planned at the end of 2019. The first vehicles are due to arrive by mid-2020.

Also read: Volkswagen's MEB electric car platform: full details 

Volkswagen ready to share MEB electric platform with rivals

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