volkswagen id.3

Volkswagen is preparing for one of its biggest vehicle onslaughts to date, and it’s the electric ID range taking centre stage. Although the ID.3 hatchback is the only member of the ID family to be revealed, it's actually the ID.4 SUV that'll lead the electric Volkswagen charge Down Under. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it'll "definitely" launch the ID range with the ID.4 SUV.

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Solid-state batteries are high on the list of priorities for carmakers, given they promise to unlock more range from electric vehicles in a more stable, lighter, compact package. Volkswagen knows the impact solid-state technology could have, and is working hard to match its Japanese competitors in the field.

While industry rumours are often met with a dead bat, Volkswagen has issued a firm denial it's interested in purchasing a shareholding in Tesla. Sources have told Manager Magazin, Volkswagen Group CEO Herbert Diess is interested in acquiring a stake in Tesla to access its software and battery design expertise. Although Diess is said to meet regularly with Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, the American automaker has rebuffed requests from Volkswagen for an alliance.

Volkswagen's first mass-produced electric vehicle, the ID.3, will get a dual-screen infotainment system and a gear selector inspired by the BMW i3. In a video that's since been removed from YouTube, Volkswagen reveals the ID.3's minimalist dashboard layout, which is dominated by screens. The images you see here were captured by Inside EVs.