First of Many: Volkswagen EV Bound for U.S. Starts Production

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

The ID.4 isn’t the first all-electric Volkswagen to reach consumers in the United States. That distinction goes to the e-Golf, but that model’s all washed up after 2020. A new family of emission-free VWs await global buyers, with European customers poised to take delivery of the first of the bunch: the ID.3 hatchback.

Overseas orders for that MEB-platform car began in June, with the first deliveries scheduled for September.

For U.S. customers — a crop of buyers used to larger, more capable vehicles — the ID line starts at the number 4. And that vehicle just started production in Germany.

Series production of the Volkswagen ID.4 began at company’s Zwickau assembly plant on Thursday, the automaker announced. A fully electric crossover (SUV? Where does a crossover end and an SUV begin in the electric world?), the ID.4 saw its digital debut earlier this year.

Like other models set to follow, the ID.4’s modern underpinnings spell a spacious cabin and significant driving range. And with electric motors, all-wheel drive is easy. Estimates peg the leggiest ID.4 at 310 miles of driving radius on the optimistic European test cycle; EPA figures will likely land in the high 200-mile range.

Hailing the start of production, Thomas Ulbrich, VW board member in charge of e-mobility, said, “It will also be a genuine world car, which we will produce and sell not only in Europe, but also in China and the USA.”

Initial examples will arrive from Germany, with production commencing in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2022. Expected to arrive on these shores either late this year or early next, the ID.4’s price is still the subject of speculation.

[Image: Volkswagen]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Mjz Mjz on Aug 21, 2020

    I live in the upper level of a 2 story condo. How am I supposed to charge an EV like this? Not practical for a vast majority. Betting the farm will prove fatal to some companies who do.

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    • HotPotato HotPotato on Aug 23, 2020

      No garage or parking lot at your property, eh? Because power lines are literally everywhere. Having to deal with an HOA before you can deal with an electrician does suck, though. I live on the second floor of a condo too. I charge in my spot in the multi-unit garage.

  • Dividebytube Dividebytube on Aug 21, 2020

    Swap the taillights, grille, headlights, and presto - the Mustang Mach-E!

  • Stephen Stephen on Aug 21, 2020

    “SUV? Where does a crossover end and an SUV begin in the electric world?” I know it when I see it- Justice Potter Stewart

  • HotPotato HotPotato on Aug 24, 2020

    I wonder how they're actually going to price this thing. Post-incentive pricing on EVs seems to vary pretty wildly over time.

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