Volkswagen ID3 cut to single model to combat long lead times

Volkswagen has removed all but one versions of its ID3 electric car, in order to shorten lead times amid the semiconductor supply shortage.

The temporary action means only the ID3 Pro Performance Life is currently available. It is priced at £35,835 and can be specified with a limited number of options.

It follows the news, last week, that thousands of Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini and VW vehicles have been affected by a blaze on a cargo ship 

Volkswagen said: “Due to very high demand for the all-electric Volkswagen ID 3, combined with the still-volatile semiconductor supply situation, delivery times for this popular model are currently much longer than usual.

“Therefore, in order to minimise the waiting period for a new car, Volkswagen has temporarily simplified the ID 3 model range in some markets.”

The ID3 Pro Performance uses a 58kWh battery, giving a range (WLTP) of 259 miles. The car is powered by a single electric motor, which produces 204PS. Life specification includes 18-inch wheels, microfleece seats, sat-nav, LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and a rear-view camera.

Orders for the ID3 Tour, which uses a larger 82kWh battery were suspended in November. The entry-level ID3 Pure Performance, which uses a 45kWh battery, is also unavailable to order.

The larger VW ID4 remains available to order in six trim levels, with a choice of 58kWh and 82kWh battery packs. While the new ID5, is currently offered in three trims, all with an 82kWh battery.

Volkswagen currently has an order bank of 95,000 ID models across Europe and expects the supply situation to remain “challenging” for the first half of 2022.

The car maker plans to ramp up production in the second half of the year. VW chief executive Herbert Diess said the supply of chips was the only major challenge at the moment, with top models of its premium brands already sold out for the whole of 2022.

He added: "The supply situation is getting better, but even in 2022 we will not be able to build all the cars we could sell. But we see opportunities for further production increases, especially in the second half of the year.”

Research carried out by Electrifying.com found that the average lead time for a new VW ID3 is six months.