
The Environmental Protection Agency has calculated an estimated 250 miles of range on a single charge for Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric SUV. The EPA-estimated fuel economy for city driving is 104 MPGe and highway driving is rated at 89 MPGe, with a combined city/highway at 97 MPGe.
The first models of the ID.4 to be launched — the 1st Edition and the ID.4 Pro — offer an 82kWh (gross) battery and a rear-mounted AC permanent-magnet synchronous motor with 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. At a DC fast-charging station, with 125 kW charging, the ID.4 can go from 5% to 80% charged in about 38 minutes.
According to the EPA’s calculations, which allow for 13 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity, the ID.4 has an estimated annual fuel cost of just $700. Compared to the average new vehicle, this will save owners $2,250 over five years, according to the EPA.
Due to an agreement between Volkswagen of America Inc. and Electrify America back in September, ID.4 owners receive three years of unlimited charging sessions on Electrify America’s DC fast charging network, which includes more than 470 charging stations and more than 2,000 DC fast chargers, including a newly completed cross-country route from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, California.
In Chattanooga, Volkswagen of America is currently building its Battery Engineering Lab at the Chattanooga Engineering and Planning Center. This $22 million facility will test and validate electric vehicle cells and battery packs for the North American region, including batteries for the ID.4 electric SUV, which will begin U.S. production in 2022.
The engineering lab is part of Volkswagen Chattanooga’s 564,000-square-foot electric vehicle production expansion and the 198,000-square-foot battery pack assembly facility, which will form the company’s hub for EV production and engineering in the region.
The 2021 ID.4 is currently on sale now, with the rear-wheel-drive ID.4 Pro starting at $39,995 MSRP, before a potential federal tax credit is applied. The limited-run ID.4 1st Edition, which was sold out the day it was launched, carried an MSRP of $43,995.