Volkswagen ID.3 range, battery & charging
The Volkswagen ID.3 offers a choice of three battery sizes and all promise enough range and charging capability to keep most buyers out of trouble
| Battery size | Range | Wallbox charge time | Rapid charge time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45kWh* | 214-216 miles | 7hrs 30mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 31mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
| 58kWh | 258-264 miles | 9hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 37mins (10-80%, 100kW) |
| 77kWh* | 340 miles | 12hrs 15mins (0-100%, 7.4kW) | 33mins (10-80%, 135kW) |
* currently unavailable due to semiconductor chip shortage
Until February 2022, the Volkswagen ID.3 was available with either a 45kWh (Pure Performance), 58kWh (Pro and Pro Performance) or 77kWh (Pro S) battery. At the moment, only the 58kWh 'Pro Performance' model, with a 201bhp electric motor, is available to order in the UK.
There’s a smartphone app that you can use to control the car’s charging as well as the climate control, which allows for pre-heating on cold mornings or pre-cooling on hot ones. You can also check the level of the battery and how much range is left.
Volkswagen ID.3 range
The entry-level ID.3 with the Pure Performance drivetrain has a range of around 215 miles thanks to its 45kWh battery. That rises to around 260 miles for the 58kWh battery, which beats the equivalent Nissan Leaf's 239 miles but falls behind the Kia e-Niro 64kWh’s figure of 282 miles on a charge.
To get more, you'll need to go for the expensive 'Pro S' range topper, which boosts range to 340 miles with its larger 77kWh battery – but is not available to order at present. There’s an Eco Assistance driving mode that can use sat-nav data to help you maximise range – for example, by telling you to lift off when a lower speed limit is approaching, saving a small amount of energy each time.
Charge time
The ID.3 is capable of up to 11kW charging from standard home wallboxes and 100 or 135kW charging from public rapid chargers, depending on the battery size you choose. You get a Type 2 cable as standard. Note that the 11kW figure for home charging is dependent on you premises having three-phase electrics – many UK properties don't.
In those cases, you're limited to a maximum home charging speed of 7.4kW, at which rate the 58kWh version of the ID.3 will take just over nine hours to charge from empty to full. Head out to a public charger and the car will take just under 40 minutes to go from 10 to 80% capacity at a 100kW or faster point.
