The ID.3 is the first car in Volkswagen's new all-electric 'ID.' line-up. When it launches in Europe, it will be available with three battery size options, the largest of which has a range of 550km.
Volkswagen South Africa is yet to confirm if the I.D.3 will reach SA in 2020 as a specific number of electric orders need to be confirmed and guaranteed before VW headquarters gives local arrival the green light.
Testing feasibility
Its exterior is honed for improved aerodynamics while on the inside it features a cabin with a 10-inch touchscreen display. Its batteries are integrated into the car's underbody. It comes in a range of three battery sizes
Earlier in October, Volkswagen launched a pilot project in partnership with Siemens in Rwanda, a first for the African continent. The pilot project is to test the feasibility of electric mobility in an African country, says the automaker.
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The pilot project, which will form part of Volkswagen’s operations in Rwanda, was officially announced by Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Group South Africa and responsible for the Sub-Sahara Africa Region, in the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Right Honourable Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
During the pilot phase, four e-Golfs and one charging station will be introduced in the capital of Rwanda, Kigali. Volkswagen has signed a joint development agreement with Siemens to provide the charging infrastructure for the electric cars.
With the launch of the pilot project, Rwanda becomes the first African country to introduce a Volkswagen electric car. South Africa is not yet on par for the in terms of infrastructure and requirements for the automaker to do the same.