Pure-electric Volkswagen ID.3 convertible previewed

Volkswagen has previewed a convertible version of its new Volkswagen ID.3 hatch on social media in an attempt to gauge whether or not there's a market for a zero-emissions drop-top.

It was posted first on Volkswagen brand CEO Ralf Brandstätter's Linkedin profile, with the accompanying words that such a car could "provide an entirely new, extraordinary feeling of freedom".

The renders of the proposed 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 Convertible were then reposted by Volkswagen Group chief Herbert Diess on Twitter, with the caption: "We're thinking about an e-convertible, maybe an ID.3 convertible. What do you think?"

The images, which appear to be sketches created by Volkswagen designers, show how the convertible ID.3 could differ significantly from the hatch, with the switch from five to two doors requiring a completely new body from the A-pillars back.

The loss of the rear doors, as seen on the convertible version of the Volkswagen T-Roc SUV, is necessary to enhance the stiffness of the body which is compromised by the loss of the roof, B- and C-pillars.

Other challenges facing engineers include packaging the rear folding roof, although the ID.3's MEB architecture, which packages its batteries beneath the floor, provides more space that could make life easier for the conversion.

Engineers have already reportedly said the cost of a different variant based on MEB would be cheaper to develop than an equivalent petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicle, such is the flexibility of the platform.

Following on from the Volkswagen I.D. Buggy concept, the revelation that a second pure-electric cabriolet, or e-convertible, is on the way proves Volkswagen is keen to steal a march on its chief rival Tesla by offering an affordable convertible first.

With MINI already declaring it has no plans for a convertible version of its MINI Electric hatch, VW could corner the market with the ID.3 cabrio.

Almost certain to use the same electric motors and batteries as the Volkswagen ID.3 hatch, the cheapest version of the drop-top would likely be offered with a 58kWh battery and a 107kW rear-mounted electric motor.

A quicker Pro Performance version with 150kW would also be anticipated, still driving the rear wheels.

With a kerb weight of more than 1800kg, there's no word on how an additional 80-100kg increase over the hatch would affect the ID.3's 423km range.

Back in 2019, the Volkswagen I.D. Buggy was tipped for a small production run as part of an alliance with e.Go Mobile, but the Meyers Manx-inspired roadster is now thought to be dead in the water following e.Go Mobile's declaration it was bankrupt.

If approved for production, the Volkswagen ID.3 Convertible could be on sale in less than two years.

In the absence of the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet (axed in 2016) and the Beetle Cabriolet (killed off in 2019), it would join the T-Roc Cabriolet as the only drop-top VW sells globally.

If already green-lit for production, expect the Volkswagen ID.3 Convertible to land in 2023 along with the ID.3 hatch's mid-life facelift.