In view of climate change, everyone is talking about electromobility – and Volkswagen is offering an all-electric car from 2020 with the ID.3, which is intended to make the new, emission-free drive technology attractive and affordable for many. A central role in the competitiveness of pure electric vehicles, such as the ID.3, is determined by their costs. This applies to purchase, operation and resale. So, is the switch to e-mobility worthwhile not only ecologically but also economically?
The fact is: In the vast majority of markets, both the purchase and use of e-cars have become significantly cheaper in recent years. The main reasons for this are falling battery costs, more efficient production, government purchase premiums and relatively cheap electricity compared to petrol or diesel. The most important aspects in detail:
1. Acquisition
In Germany, the pure electric ID.3 models – available from summer 2020 – will be available at significantly lower prices than the predecessor e-Golf model. While the latter was available from 36,900 euros with a WLTP range of 231 kilometers, the ID.3 “Pure” model is available for under 30,000 euros – and that with a range of 330 kilometers, i.e. almost 100 kilometers more. Also, the ID.3 “Pro” has a range of 420 kilometers, with a purchase price of less than 35,000 euros – still significantly lower than the e-Golf. High economies of scale resulting from the use of the modular e-drive systems and the further development of battery technology make this possible.