The deal will grow Volkswagen’s presence in Onto’s electric-only fleet, with the e-up!, ID.3 and ID.4 models covering three key vehicle classes popular with subscription customers. The arrival of ID.3 Family Pro Performance models on the Onto fleet in September was met with unprecedented demand – every vehicle was booked by customers within 48 hours, proving the ID.3’s considerable appeal. In fact, so strong is Volkswagen’s electric vehicle offering, that the brand is currently one of the top three choices for Onto users, with the expansion of the Volkswagen fleet likely to further bolster its popularity.
Once delivered, these e-up!, ID.3 and ID.4 models will have a working life of around two years, following usage by subscribers who sign up to the cars for as little as £339 a month, for as long as they wish. With Onto’s electric car subscription model customers pay no deposit, and for a fixed monthly fee have 1,000 monthly miles, insurance, breakdown cover and charging at over 11,000 points. The company is focused on making EVs accessible and affordable. Across the entire Onto fleet this year, customers have driven around 10 million miles, with zero tailpipe emissions. Those who select the ID.3 or ID.4 have the added privilege of using a vehicle that is delivered net carbon-neutral, a property which will continue into the model’s life, should they choose to use renewable energy to power the model.
Onto’s first ever TV advert, due for release this week, will include examples from its Volkswagen fleet, highlighting the models as key components of the Onto offering. This campaign will coincide with the introduction of the models in the coming days. The ID.3’s previous success at Onto matches the response that the model has had in the media: its 15 awards from UK industry experts across its life-span so far, as well as the ID.4’s current reign as World Car of the Year, put both models’ strengths into sharp focus.
Onto customers will have access to the ID.4 in Life Pro Performance configuration with a range of up to 322 miles (WLTP, combined). It features the latest Volkswagen technologies inside and out such as, at a minimum, LED headlights; Adaptive Cruise Control with City Emergency Braking System; 30-colour interior ambient lighting; and a Discover Navigation Pro touch-screen navigation infotainment system with 10-inch display. The model is available in four comfortably equipped trim levels: ‘Style’; ‘Life’; ‘Family’; and ‘Max’. A sporty, dual-motor all-wheel drive GTX variant is also available.
The ID.3 has a maximum range of 264 miles (WLTP, combined) with its 58 kWh ‘Pro Performance’ battery. The ID.3 is available through Onto in ‘Life’ and ‘Family’ trims. The equipment package across every ID.3 includes LED headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Car2X, Natural Voice Control, parking sensors front and rear, and wheels no smaller than 18 inches in diameter. In addition all receive navigation with a 10-inch touch screen, while keyless start, Driver Profile Selection, climate control, and the innovative ID.Light function are all on hand to benefit occupants. All ID.3s and ID.4s are also capable of receiving over-the-air software updates to ensure they have the latest infotainment and battery features.
The e-up! was initially unveiled in 2013, and went on sale in the UK early in 2014. The range of the e-up! is 159 miles (WLTP), thanks to the 2019 upgrade to its lithium-ion battery pack, which expanded its net capacity to 32.3 kWh, up from 18.7 kWh previously. In addition to a user-friendly range and comfort and sophistication beyond its city-car dimensions, the e-up! features a package of driver’s assistance, safety and connectivity technologies including a multifunction camera with Lane Assist, curtain airbags and smartphone integration cradle. Also standard on the e-up! are convenience features including heated front seats and a heated windscreen, climate control, rain sensing wipers and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors. Cruise control is also standard-fit.
Nick O’Neill, Head of Fleet at Volkswagen UK, said: “I’m so excited for this contract with Onto to be fulfilled – not only will this complete a key fleet deal this year, but once the cars are delivered, Onto customers will get to enjoy Volkswagen e-mobility, with countless more seeing the ID. models on our screens again, when Onto’s TV campaign goes live.
“That’s what it’s all about: enabling even more people to see just how good our models are – whether that’s by their use on the Onto fleet by customers who may go on to purchase a Volkswagen electric vehicle of their own, or by giving the models more exposure on UK roads and on TV. Onto’s order, and its high-profile promotion, show just how confident the company is in the e-up!, ID.3 and ID.4.”
Rob Jolly, CEO and Co-founder of Onto, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Volkswagen and add three new models to our fleet that cater to the different needs of our customers. Volkswagen now accounts for approximately 18% of our fleet and the cars are proving extremely popular. This is an exciting partnership for Onto as we continue to focus on simplifying the switch to an EV. We’re committed to revolutionising the way people think about car ownership and look forward to introducing more Onto subscribers to Volkswagen.”
