May 11, 2021
With the launch of the all-new Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle, there’s never been a better time to go electric. The ID.4 makes a definitive statement that an EV can deliver all the style, comfort, convenience, and value you’ve come to expect from gas-powered cars. It also proves that EVs can be fun to own and drive.
If you’re unfamiliar with what it’s like to own an EV, here’s some important information to get you started.
At-home charging is easy and convenient.
The Volkswagen ID.4 includes a Level 1 charging cable1. Simply plug it into a standard 120V household outlet in your garage, connect the other end to the port at the right rear of the vehicle, and just like that, you’re charging.
Now imagine charging your ID.4 at a Level 2 wall box charger in your garage for 7 and a half hours to 11 and a half hours overnight2, and returning the next morning to find it fully charged with an EPA-estimated 250 miles of range.3 For this kind of fast charging, you can opt to get the new HomeStation Level 2 Home Charger with app control from Electrify Home. In its 40 amp configuration, it can charge 6.8 times faster than a standard Level 1 charger.
At-home charging is billed in the same way as any other electric usage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential kilowatt-hour rates are, on average, much less expensive than the per-gallon cost of gas. Plus, in some parts of the U.S., EV owners can take advantage of utility discounts for nighttime or off-peak charging after enrollment in the utility program.
Charging on the go is fast and widely available.
If at-home charging isn’t an option for you, or you regularly travel long distances, know that all ID.4 owners receive three years of unlimited public DC fast charging through Electrify America at no additional cost.4
Electrify America has built a convenient and reliable network of DC fast charging stations nationwide, located along major highways and cross-country routes, to help get you where you want to go.
An Electrify America public DC fast charger can get the battery in the ID.4 from 5 percent to 80 percent charge in about 38 minutes.5 Keep in mind that, with an EPA-estimated range of 250 miles3 in the ID.4, the average driver can complete a regular commute several times before needing to charge.6
The cost savings really start to add up.
Owning an EV can translate to long-term savings, given that oil changes and trips to the gas station will be things of the past. The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV can provide as much as $3,500 in estimated fuel cost savings over five years compared to the average gas-powered vehicle.7
Under current U.S. law, purchasers of certain electric vehicles may qualify for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.8
Finally, owning the ID.4 brings additional value with perks such as five years of Volkswagen Car-Net® Remote Access EV9 at no additional cost. This includes three years10 of access to Car-Net Plus Nav EV11 and the voice-activated Car-Net Plus Speech EV,12 which allows you to control system functions in the ID.4 by simply saying, “Hello ID.”
Driving an EV is a breeze… and a lot of fun.
Starting the Volkswagen ID.4 is an entirely different experience than that of a gas-powered vehicle: With the key fob in your pocket, all you need to do is sit in the driver’s seat and the ID.4 wakes up. Even starting in cold weather is no problem: Technology in the ID.4 helps to optimize heating efficiency while minimizing cold-temperature impact on the vehicle.
One difference between EVs and gas-powered cars is that the simple act of braking actually adds energy to the battery. Every time you use the brake, or even take your foot off the accelerator, an EV stores excess energy for later use, which makes for more efficient operation.
As for the fun part, that comes when you press the accelerator. Because an electric motor delivers power to the wheels instantaneously, you don’t need to rev it to get up to speed. Maximum torque is available even at 0 RPM, which means smooth, seamless acceleration.
The fun continues when turning: The chassis used by the ID.4 places the battery between the car’s axles, giving it a low center of gravity for better handling.
Whether you’re an experienced electric-vehicle owner or looking to own your first one, it’s a great time to build and reserve the all-new Volkswagen ID.4. And take the Volkswagen electric-vehicle quiz to see how an EV fits with your lifestyle.
1 110V charging hardware included with the vehicle. Optional cabinet, installation and wiring costs are extra and will vary. See your participating dealer for details.
2 Based on an 11kW Level 2 charger for 7.5 hours, and a 7.2kW Level 2 charger for 11.5 hours. Charging times will vary and depend on a variety of factors, including ambient temperature, charger type, battery condition and initial state of charge, vehicle condition, and others.
3 2021 ID.4 Pro S and 1st Edition EPA estimated total range is 250 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.
4 3 years of unlimited charging on MY21 ID.4 vehicles begins upon vehicle purchase. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, enrollment in ID.4 Charging Plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, and $10 deposit to pre-fund Idle Fees. User is responsible for Idle Fees, which apply beginning 10 minutes after charge session stops or vehicle reaches full charge. Unused Idle Fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. In the event of suspected fraud or abuse or other unforeseen events, Volkswagen of America may discontinue or modify the offer in its sole discretion. Frequent and consecutive charging can permanently decrease battery capacity, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.
5 ID.4 equipped with fast charging capability maximum rate of 125kW. Based on charging at a 125kW or higher charger. Charging times will vary and depend on a variety of factors, including ambient temperature, charger type, battery condition and initial state of charge, vehicle condition, and others. Frequent and consecutive fast charging can permanently decrease battery capacity.
6 Based on Bureau of Transportation Statistics information last updated on May 20th, 2017 regarding median commuting distance to work and starting with a fully charged vehicle. Your commute may vary. The ID.4 Pro S and 1st Edition EPA estimated total range is 250 miles. Actual mileage and range will vary and depend on several factors including driving and charging habits, accessory use, temperature and topography, battery age, load, and vehicle condition. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. See owner’s manual for details.
7 Claim based on driving 15,000 miles per year using U.S. Energy Information Administration (eia.gov) data available at time of publication for average gasoline and kW-hr projected prices for 2021-2025 and average EPA new vehicle MPG of 27 for MY21 vehicles. Assumes home charging of ID.4. Actual savings, if any, will vary and depend on several factors including location, driving and charging habits, fuel price fluctuations, temperature and topography, accessory use, battery age, load, and vehicle condition.
8 The anticipated Federal income tax credit mentioned above is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute tax or legal advice. Any available credits apply only on the purchase of a qualifying vehicle and are not available in a lease transaction. All persons considering use of available tax credits should consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility based on their specific tax situation. Tax credits are subject to various limitations not within Volkswagen’s control and are subject to change without notice.
9 Available on MY21 ID.4 vehicles. Always pay careful attention to the road and do not drive while distracted. Certain services require trial or paid subscriptions, which may have their own terms and conditions. VW Car-Net requires cellular connectivity, availability of vehicle GPS signal, and acceptance of Terms of Service. Not all services and features are available on all vehicles. Certain Car-Net services may connect out to 3rd party providers that may require additional payment. Standard text and data rates may apply for app and web features. Certain services may collect location and vehicle information. See Terms of Service, Privacy Statement, and other important information at www.vw.com/carnet.
10 Plus Nav and Plus Speech services offered for 3 years from vehicle in-service date.
11 Requires vehicle to be equipped with MIB3 infotainment system with navigation, acceptance of VW Car-Net Terms of Service, and vehicle cellular and GPS connectivity.
12 Requires vehicle to be equipped with MIB3 infotainment system, acceptance of VW Car-Net Terms of Service, and vehicle cellular and GPS connectivity. Available voice control functions vary based on vehicle equipment.