Volkswagen hits 500,000 sales landmark for ID.3

Volkswagen has reached an EV landmark after selling half a million examples of the ID.3.

The ID.3 was VW’s first purpose-built EV, and was initially criticised for its laggy infotainment system, lack of physical controls, and its low quality cabin. Since its release, VW has addressed the initial issues, and the ID.3 has won several awards including ‘Best Small Car Of The Year’ at What Car? and ‘Game Changer Of The Year’ by Top Gear.

Bolstered by its facelift in 2023 and the launch of new variants, including the ID.3 GTX, it has now reached 500,000 global sales, accouting for more than a third of all VW’s EV sales.

VW has sold a total of 1.35 million ID. models since the ID.3’s launch in 2019. In 2024, the world’s second largest carmaker sold a total of 383,100 all-electric vehicles. In its native Germany, VW topped the EV segment, accounting for 16.3% of all new registrations; a 2.8% increase on the previous year.

In Norway, where 89.% of all new cars are electric, VW was the second most popular brand behind Tesla. The ID.4 SUV was the German manufacturer’s most popular model amongst buyers, with 7,222 units sold. It also sold 3,634 ID.3 models in the Nordic country.

Alongside the promising sales figures, 2024 proved a pivotal year for VW’s all-electric drive. It released the ID.3 GTX – an electrified performance alternative to the Golf R – and its flagship EV, the ID.7. VW’s all-electric answer to the Passat, the ID.7 scooped Germany’s ‘Car Of The Year’ award, and top spot for ‘Best Saloon’ at Autocar during its first year of production.

VW’s EV models look set to continue their upward trajectory into 2025 with the launch of the ID.2 later in the year. Set to be priced at less than €25,000, the ID.2 is VW’s all-electric take on the Polo. An even more affordable ID.1 is set to join the ID line-up in 2027.