Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback - Range, charging & running costs
A range of battery sizes caters to different customers
The Volkswagen ID.3 is available with three different battery sizes and three different motors, although the smallest 45kWh battery is due to be discontinued. Most buyers will choose the 58kWh (fitted on ‘Pro’ and ‘Pro Performance’) and 77kWh ‘Pro S’ models. Range increases with the size of the batteries.
It's disappointing that no ID.3 is now eligible for the Government's Plug-in Vehicle Grant.
Volkswagen ID.3 range & charging time
The 45kWh model has an all-electric driving range of 205 miles, the 58kWh model will do around 260 miles and the range-topping 77kWh model can travel up to 341 miles on a single charge. As with any electric car, it’s worth noting that range will be lower than the quoted figures in cold weather.
While more range is clearly better, even the smallest 45kWh ID.3 surpasses the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and standard Nissan Leaf, so shouldn't be sniffed at. If you plan on charging your ID.3 fairly regularly at home and don't often take long trips around the country, it’s likely to be adequate. The cheapest Tesla Model 3 offers 254 miles of range.
When you do head further afield, the ID.3 accepts 100kW fast-charging, so the battery can be topped up from 5 to 80% in the time it takes to eat a snack and drink a coffee. In the 58kWh model it takes 35 minutes and in the 77kWh model it’s 38 minutes.
Charging via a home wallbox (at 11kW) takes 6 hours and 15 minutes for the 58kWh model and 7 hours 30 minutes for the 77kWh car.
Check out our guide to the best chargepoint providers here.
Tax costs
The car costs nothing in VED each year, while recharging at home costs a fraction of filling a fuel tank - although how much cheaper it works out depends on your electricity tariff.
The Benefit-in-Kind rate of 1% means that all electric cars are extremely cost-effective for company-car buyers. If your commute isn’t abnormally long or if you can charge at home or work, then the ID.3 could be a great way to save money on company-car tax.
