The US-built Volkswagen ID.4 will include a version with a smaller 62 kWh battery that sells for less than the standard version.
Volkswagen says when production of the ID.4 begins in Tennessee, a version with a 62 kWh battery as well as an 82 kWh battery will be built side by side. The cars are currently imported from the factory in Zwickau, Germany.
The announcement leaves out one important detail — the price — but the ID.4 in the US with the larger battery starts at just over $40,000 and has a range of 280 miles. The speculation is the version with the smaller battery will have a range of about 200 miles and will start at around $35,000. Subtract the federal tax credit and customers could be looking at a thoroughly modern electric SUV for a net cost of about $27,500.will likely use one rear-mounted electric motor.
Range is becoming less of an issue as consumers hear more about the advantages of electric vehicles and the increased availability of fast chargers while traveling away from home. Still, it is a bold move by Volkswagen to offer drivers a choice of a less expensive car with less range at a time when everyone else is crowing about bringing cars to market that offer longer operating ranges. Presumably the first US-made ID.4 SUVs should be in showrooms by the end of 2022 or early 2023.