The time needed to charge the battery depends on the electrical power source. In Germany, Volkswagen Leasing GmbH offers the Charge & Fuel Card for all Volkswagen brand electric and plug-in hybrid models to make battery charging on the road as easy and economical as possible. Charging is at a transparent uniform gross price rate of €11.90 per hour for direct current (DC) or €0.95 per hour for alternating current (AC) with billing that is accurate to the minute. In addition, not only can the card be used to purchase electrical charging and fuel at more than 10,800 filling stations; it can also be used for other vehicle-specific services such as car washes. There is no base fee. Costs are billed in a monthly invoice. For the most part, the nearly 4,000 charging stations available today offer electricity that is generated CO2-neutrally. The charging stations can be found via the Charge & Fuel app. At some stations, charging can be started by app as an alternative to the Charge & Fuel Card.
Having said that, the driven rear wheel nonetheless leads a life of its own, so be prepared to get used to a whole new set of rules. It looks like a go-kart - does it feel like one inside? You sit - almost lie - very low, with both legs comfortably stretched out in the long tunnel leading to the narrow pedal box. The seat adjusts in reach only. It consists of a thinly padded pvc bucket with a fixed backrest and fixed side bolsters. The five-point belt secures the shoulders, the hips, the torso and the crown jewels. Most trikes typically feature handlebars, a manual clutch and a twistgrip throttle. Not so the much more car-like GX3. The clutch is hoof-operated, the brakes are exclusively pedal-controlled, the gearlever is located between the seats, and the tiny dished suede-rimmed wheel looks and feels as if it came straight out of a formula junior race car. The colour choice was to have been restricted to only four different shades: white, yellow, black and red. I need a GX3.
When can I have one? Sadly, the management has refused to give the GX3 the green light. 15,500 (£10,500), and the total output over the six-year life cycle was targeted at 25,500 units - minimum. But then the sceptics began to throw spanners in the works, and at the eleventh hour a great idea was no more. Because VW feared a high-profile accident on an American highway, that could have done untold damage to the brand. Is there any way we could see a GX3? You don´t need to read between the lines to conclude that the GX3 fan club has a new member. After two days of adrenalin rush, one thing is clear: it’s not the GX3 concept that’s at fault, but the decision to make it a US-only product. Could enough European customers be willing to take the risk for the hugely rewarding driving experience? CAR Online believes there is a market for up to 5000 VW trikes per year. Anybody who signs a disclaimer and agrees to wear a helmet should be allowed to use the GX3 on road and track. True, the trike is missing a wheel when compared with a Westfield, Radical, Caterham or Ariel Atom. But believe me: this numerical handicap does in no way diminish the driving pleasure.
