The VW-SAIC joint venture has unveiled an updated version of the VW ID.3 electric car in China. The hatchback received a new battery produced by CATL and some changes in the interior.

The Chinese-spec VW ID.3 is equipped with a 53.6 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a range of up to 451 kilometres on the local CLTC test cycle. On the European WLTP cycle, this will be around a third less.

LFP batteries are cheaper to produce, safer and more durable, but have a lower energy density, making them heavier and larger than their NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) counterparts.

Charging from 30 per cent to 80 per cent takes 48 minutes, while the European 52-kilowatt battery supports up to 145 kW and charges from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

The interior of the Chinese ID.3 has also received new additions: a 12.9-inch screen instead of a 10-inch one, a new centre console with wireless charging and two cupholders.

But the biggest surprise is the cost. The base version of the ID.3 in China costs only 15,400 euros, and the most expensive configuration starts at 17,600 euros. For comparison, in Germany ID.3 is sold from 33 330 euros, and even including the subsidy turns out to be a minimum of 29 760 euros. However, it should also be taken into account that the equipment of the Chinese ID.3, as a rule, is worse than the European one.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport

Евгений Ушаков
Evgenii Ushakov
15 years driving