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 might help spark gross sales on the planet’s largest EV market.
After delivering 6.52 million autos by 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 by September, VW’s general car 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 below $10,000.
After launching the ID.3 in 2021, costs began round $25,000. Nonetheless, an inflow of cheaper (and lots of instances extra superior) EVs brought on Volkswagen to drastically lower costs to maintain up.
Volkswagen slashed ID.3 costs final summer season after watching its lead slip in China. The VW ID.3 may very well be purchased by a limited-time supply for as little as $17,500 (125,900 yuan). The worth lower 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
In keeping with a brand new submitting with China’s Ministry of Trade and Info Expertise (MIIT), a brand new Volkswagen ID.3 will arrive with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
Though LFP batteries are widespread 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 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 huge, 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 below $14,000 (99,800 yuan), Volkswagen appears to be like to stage the enjoying subject with a lower-priced ID.3 on its approach.
Supply: CarNewsChina, MIIT
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