The ID.R electric racing car and the new ID.3 will meet at the Essen Motor Show from 30 November to 8 December 2019.
At first glance, the two electro pioneers could hardly be more different. However, the ID.R, which has been setting records around the world since 2018, and the Volkswagen ID.3, which was presented for the first time in September, share more than just the electric drivetrain.
The development of the ID.R and its appearances have provided valuable information for the series development of the ID. family. At the same time, production development supported the Volkswagen motorsport team with know-how gained during large-scale production.
Common ground: maximum efficiency
Both models maximise the efficiency of the electric drivetrain to ensure optimum usage of available energy – on the racetrack and on the road.
The objective for the ID.R was peak performance on defined routes, while the ID.3 production module requires the most efficient use of battery capacity in everyday operation and achieving the greatest range. To develop the batteries, Volkswagen Motorsport worked with laboratories that are also involved in researching the technology for the ID. family. The cells are integrated into the vehicle floor in the ID.R and ID.3 – producing a low centre of gravity that improves handling.
There are also parallels in the charging strategy – for external charging with a rapid charging system and also during brake energy recovery (recuperation) while the vehicle is in motion. Other shared features are the aero rims on both cars that have been optimised to improve the drag coefficient value.