You can expect that in the coming years, the road to widespread acceptance and adoption of electric vehicles is going to become both straighter and shorter. Part of that journey will involve selling that the fact that these vehicles are actual, viable options for drivers with the objective of shrinking their carbon footprint. Volkswagen has just taken one such significant step, by disclosing that its all-electric ID.4 1st Edition and ID.4 Pro SUVs now have a genuine EPA estimate that both can travel 250 miles on a single charge, which Wolfsburg says is the equivalent of 94 MPG in combined city/highway driving.
Both of the new Volkswagen EVs use a rear-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor that produces the equivalent of 201 horsepower, and can go from 5 percent to 80 percent charged at a fast-charging station within 38 minutes. The rear-drive ID.4 is available for ordering at dealers right now, with the ID.4 Pro starting at $39,995 before a potential federal tax credit of $7,500 kicks in, a price that also includes three years of free recharging via Electrify America. This is the future, folks. If you need proof, consider the fact that the limited-run ID.4 1st Edition sold out the same day as its online launch. Later next year, Volkswagen plans to also roll out an AWD version of the ID.4.
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 