Volkswagen ID.3: what it really costs to run in the UK
VW's all-electric Golf — in city driving it costs a fraction of a petrol car to run and never needs a fuel stop.
Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Prices: £15,500 for a 2–4-year-old one, up to £37,840 new. All assumptions →
Buying a 2–4-year-old ID.3 on finance
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Loan payment (80% financed, 5% APR, 3 years) | £372 |
| Fuel / electricity | £40 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £46 |
| Road tax | £16 |
| Maintenance | £43 |
| Total per month | £516 |
| Over 3 years | £ |
|---|---|
| 20% deposit | £3,100 |
| 36 monthly costs | £18,576 |
| Total paid out | £21,676 |
| Minus estimated resale value (~55%) | −£8,525 |
| Net 3-year cost | £13,151 |
Leasing a new ID.3
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Lease payment (typical deal: 36 months, 10,000 miles a year, upfront payment spread over the term) | £388 |
| Fuel / electricity | £40 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £110 |
| Road tax and maintenance | Usually included |
| Total per month | £538 |
Leasing compares a new car with buying a 2–4-year-old one, so the two are different cars. At the end of a lease you hand the car back; buying leaves you with the resale value, which is why buying is shown net.
Road tax
UK vehicle tax for a car this age is the flat standard rate, £200/yr, whatever its CO₂.
CO₂: zero tailpipe emissions.
Engines
- 58 kWh 204hp RWD
- 79 kWh 204hp (longer range)
Costs above use the first engine listed. Bigger engines cost more to buy, insure and fuel.
Why people choose the ID.3
- Near-zero fuel costs in cities (~€33/1000km)
- Spacious cabin for its footprint
- VW reliability in electric form
Is it the right car for you?
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