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Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback to be built in China

Volkswagen Australia hopes to bring the zero-emission five-seater Down Under in the 'mid-to-high $40,000 range.'


The Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback will be built in China, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

As first reported the Automotive News Europe, SAIC Volkswagen – the brand’s joint-venture with SAIC Motors – received approval this week from local regulators to begin production at its Anting plant in Shanghai.

The ID.3 is currently assembled exclusively in Volkswagen’s native Germany, at the brand’s Zwickau and Dresden plants.

It has yet to be locked in where Australian-delivered examples – should they arrive around 2023 as previously suggested – would be sourced from, however a spokesperson for Volkswagen in Australia told CarAdvice: “We’re currently exploring all gambits to secure ID prioritisation.”

“We hope to bring the hatchback in priced alongside the top of the standard Golf line-up, in the mid-to-high $40,000 range,” the spokesperson added.

In its standard German-built configuration, the Volkswagen ID.3 sends 150kW/310Nm to the rear wheels via a single axle-mounted motor. Voltage is drawn from a choice of 45kWh, 58kWh, or 77kWh lithium-ion battery packs.

It is not known if the Chinese-built hatchback will differ mechanically or aesthetically from existing variants.


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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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