Volkswagen is launching a brand new ID.3 mannequin in China with an LFP battery pack because it appears to be like to compete with lower-priced rivals. Chinese language automakers like CATL and BYD dominate the LFP battery market, however VW hopes the brand new mannequin can assist spark gross sales on the planet’s largest EV market.
After delivering 6.52 million automobiles by the primary 9 months of 2024, down almost 3% from final 12 months, Volkswagen blamed a “notably intense” Chinese language market.
Though the corporate has delivered 27% extra EVs in China by September, VW’s general automobile gross sales are down by double-digits. International automakers face stiff competitors from home corporations like BYD, with electrical automobiles just like the Seagull EV beginning beneath $10,000.
After launching the ID.3 in 2021, costs began round $25,000. Nonetheless, an inflow of cheaper (and plenty of instances extra superior) EVs prompted Volkswagen to drastically minimize costs to maintain up.
Volkswagen slashed ID.3 costs final summer season after watching its lead slip in China. The VW ID.3 could possibly be purchased by a limited-time provide for as little as $17,500 (125,900 yuan). The worth minimize helped increase demand, securing over 10,000 orders by the tip of the month.
The 2024 VW ID.3 begins even decrease at round $15,400 (108,900 yuan), however a good cheaper model is poised to hit the market.
Volkswagen to launch new ID.3 with an LFP battery pack
In response to a brand new submitting with China’s Ministry of Business and Info Know-how (MIIT), a brand new Volkswagen ID.3 will arrive with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
Though LFP batteries are frequent in Chinese language EVs, German automakers like VW usually use Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). NMC batteries are costlier as a result of they require extra treasured metals however have the next vitality density than LFP.
A number of automakers like Tesla are already transferring towards LFP batteries, together with the Mannequin Y in Germany.
Others, like Hyundai Motor (together with Kia), are doubling down on the tech, promising to unlock larger vitality density at a decrease price.
Outdoors of the battery, the brand new Volkswagen ID.3 seems to be the identical as the present mannequin. At 4,261 mm lengthy, 1,778 mm vast, and 1,568 mm tall with a wheelbase of two,765 mm, the ID.3 is a direct rival to BYD’s Dolphin (4,290 mm x L, 1,770 mm x W, 1,570 mm x H).
With the 2025 BYD Dolphin beginning beneath $14,000 (99,800 yuan), Volkswagen appears to be like to degree the enjoying subject with a lower-priced ID.3 on its method.
Supply: CarNewsChina, MIIT
