Volkswagen is launching a brand new ID.3 mannequin in China with an LFP battery pack because it seems 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 may help spark gross sales on this planet’s largest EV market.
After delivering 6.52 million autos via the primary 9 months of 2024, down almost 3% from final yr, Volkswagen blamed a “notably intense” Chinese language market.
Though the corporate has delivered 27% extra EVs in China via September, VW’s general car gross sales are down by double-digits. International automakers face stiff competitors from home corporations like BYD, with electrical vehicles just like the Seagull EV beginning beneath $10,000.
After launching the ID.3 in 2021, costs began round $25,000. Nevertheless, an inflow of cheaper (and lots of instances extra superior) EVs prompted Volkswagen to drastically reduce costs to maintain up.
Volkswagen slashed ID.3 costs final summer time after watching its lead slip in China. The VW ID.3 might be purchased via a limited-time provide for as little as $17,500 (125,900 yuan). The value reduce helped enhance demand, securing over 10,000 orders by the top of the month.
The 2024 VW ID.3 begins even decrease at round $15,400 (108,900 yuan), however an excellent cheaper model is poised to hit the market.
Volkswagen to launch new ID.3 with an LFP battery pack
Based on 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 dearer as a result of they require extra valuable metals however have a better 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 greater 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 large, 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 seems to degree the enjoying subject with a lower-priced ID.3 on its approach.
Supply: CarNewsChina, MIIT