Software issues and the coronavirus pandemic have prevented Volkswagen from releasing the all-electric ID.3 hatchback this summer, as originally planned. Now, the company plans to start shipping in September – with certain electronic features deactivated until a fix is available.
VW started production last fall only to encounter numerous software issues and end up sending the cars to closed parking lots, rather than showrooms. The issues may be mostly solved now, but the company openly admits that it won’t be producing the planned 100,000 units in 2020 anymore – the most optimistic prediction says 25,000 cars will reach their owners, despite there being 35,000+ preorders.
Pre-order books will open again for everyone interested on June 17, but the premium-priced ID.3 1st Edition will remain the only option available for the next four weeks. It will come in three different, non-customizable trim levels. Customers who had previously made a €1,000 deposit will get their cars sooner than everyone else.
Mass shipments will begin in September. All ID.3 units sold that month or earlier will be missing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, as well as the HUD display functionality. Volkswagen promises to restore these next year, which will necessitate visiting a dealership.
As half-baked as the launch decision may seem, consider that Volkswagen has to free up at least some storage space after the faulty 2019 production batch flooded its warehouses.