Volkswagen ID.3

This time, I took the Volkswagen ID.3 on an electric road trip around Estonia. With a full car—four adults, a three-year-old in a car seat, and all the luggage, including a stroller—it felt like a tight squeeze. Looking at the ID.3 from the outside, it seemed like cramming everything in would be impossible. But as they say, looks can be deceiving!

Volkswagen’s ID.3 lineup starts with a 55 kWh (gross) and 45 kWh (net) battery and goes up to an 82 kWh (gross) and 77 kWh (net) version, offering a solid range of 450 km on the higher-end models. With a full charge, I was ready to put it to the test on my usual route around Estonia, making stops only when convenient.

Setting Off: Space and Comfort in the ID.3

The ID.3 has a surprising amount of space for a small electric car. Despite packing in five people’s worth of gear and seating, it held up well, though it was a tight fit for a longer journey. While not a vehicle for every road trip scenario, the ID.3 certainly meets the needs of daily driving with room to spare. And this time, the back seat belts were easy to fasten, which is essential when there’s a car seat involved.

Looks are essential to me—I want a car that’s as visually appealing as it is functional. The ID.3 nails it, with a futuristic and sleek design. As for the interior, comfort is a high priority, especially for longer trips. The ID.3 met this requirement, with everything in easy reach and electric features that add to its overall convenience. With short trips and a few driver swaps along the way, this journey was ideal for discovering what I enjoyed (and what I didn’t) about the ID.3.

What Stands Out in the ID.3: Highlights and Minor Drawbacks

One of my favorite features? The glass roof! Volkswagen’s design makes opening and closing the sunshade feel incredibly smooth and modern—it’s a small feature, but one that adds a lot of appeal to the car. In fact, I’d call this a real selling point. On the flip side, the driver display could be better; it feels like an odd fit behind the wheel and could show a bit more information. That said, I know that minimal displays keep distractions low, and as the driver, it’s something you quickly adjust to. Overall, the ID.3 gives off the impression of a refined, forward-thinking vehicle, reminiscent of the bold look of Tesla’s Cybertruck but in a more accessible way.

Charging Freedom: Choosing Where (and When) to Stop

What’s refreshing about this trip is that charging stops are now more of a choice than a necessity. I’m no longer concerned about where to charge but rather if I even feel like stopping. In most cases, I can select the spots with the best coffee rather than settling for a random charging point. Bringing along an electric scooter for quick errands is a tip I picked up from another EV enthusiast—it makes charging breaks more fun and efficient. While winter travel has its challenges, the infrastructure is steadily improving, making it easier to manage charging on the go.

Verdict: Is the ID.3 a Solid Choice for Long Trips?

Wrapping up, would I take the ID.3 on a long road trip again? Absolutely! If I were in the market for a compact EV, the ID.3 would be high on my list. It’s comfortable, reliable, and has enough space for a few passengers and their gear—though for a full carload, it does get a bit tight.

For this trip, I kept within speed limits but didn’t hold back either. The ID.3 handled it all smoothly, with minimal charging needed for a 500 km journey. Here’s a breakdown of the trip’s essentials:

Charging convenience: No charging was needed in Pärnu, which kept things easy.
Cost efficiency: While a traditional gas car would’ve cost about €55 for this trip, the ID.3 kept it to roughly €10.
Thanks to Møller Ülemiste for the positive experience and for lending me this great car! I can already imagine my next EV purchase, and I have my eye on their upcoming VW bus, which might just be the ideal upgrade when I’m ready to switch.

Volkswagen ID.3 packing into a small car

Packing the whole family into a small car can be a challenge, but the ID.3 handled it like a boss.