VW’s First ID Model Uses Tesla-Style Pre-Ordering

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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8th May 2019

Volkswagen is taking a leaf out of the Tesla sales manual by launching a pre-booking system in Europe for its first all-electric ID model, the ID.3.

In a statement, the factor said the car’s name is derived from it being the third most significant model it has launched after the Beetle and the Golf. From today customers can register online for an early production slot for their ID.3 by paying a Tesla-level registration deposit of €1,000 ($1,120).

It launches with a special edition featuring ‘high-quality, high-performance equipment’ and is limited to 30,000 vehicles. It will be equipped with the medium-sized battery option later available across the model range. Ultimately, three battery options will be available with claimed ranges of between 205 miles and 340 miles on the with WLTP standard.

The ID.3 Ist special edition claims a range of 260 miles and is expected to retail at less than $44,000, before the deduction of any government subsidy. Customers are also being offered the possibility of taking electric power for recharging free of charge for the first year, up to a maximum of 2,000 kWh, at all public charging points connected to the VW charging app We Charge and also using the pan-European Ionity rapid charging network.

The carmaker claims the cars will be delivered carbon neutral with both battery pack and vehicle made using power from renewable sources. Unavoidable emissions in the production process are said to be compensated for by certified climate projects. Production of the ID.3 1ST is to start at the end of 2019 and the first vehicles are to be delivered to customers in mid-2020.

“With the start of pan-European pre-booking for the ID.3, e-mobility at Volkswagen will become concrete for our customers,” said Jürgen Stackmann, member of the board of management for sales, marketing and after-sales. “With the ID.3, we will be ushering in the third major chapter of strategic importance in the history of our brand, following the Beetle and the Golf. With the ID.3, we are making the electric car fit for mass mobility. Initially, we will electrify Europe with the ID.3 and then other regions with further electric models in the ID. family which are to follow in the near future.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_