Slowly but surely, electric vehicles have seen steadily increasing adoption in recent years. And now it's clear that the internal combustion engine's days are numbered as the primary automotive propulsion element. And Volkswagen is on board with its innovative new Modular Electric Drive Matrix platform (MEB), a modular car platform currently used in seven nameplates around the world, with several more waiting in the wings. And just as Volkswagen sought to bring affordable automobility to the masses with the iconic VW Type 1 (also known as the Beetle) in 1937, the automaker hopes to use the MEB platform to accomplish something similar in the world of electric automobility.
The first Volkswagen-branded model to utilize the MEB platform in the United States is the VW ID.4, a versatile, fully electric crossover and the winner of the 2021 World Car of the Year Award. Spacious and stylish, the VW ID.4 offers roomy and refined accommodations, practical utility, and responsive EV driving dynamics with a more accessible price tag. And Washington DC area drivers can purchase or order one for themselves right now here at Ourisman Volkswagen Waldorf. Here's a quick overview of some of its most notable attributes.
VW ID.4 Performance, Range, and Charging
The Volkswagen ID.4 finds its motivation in a rear-axle-mounted electric motor (201 horsepower, 228 pound-feet of torque) drawing energy from an 82-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With an EPA-estimated 250 miles of range, Silver Spring drivers can enjoy a full week of emissions-free commuting. But you don't have to go a whole week between charges since the ID.4 can add about 33 miles of charge per hour with a Level 2 home charger, needing just 7.5 hours overnight for a complete charge. Additionally, DC fast chargers, like those at highway rest stops, can charge the ID.4 from 5-percent to 80-percent in just 40 minutes.
A two-motor all-wheel-drive variant with 302 horsepower will be available later in 2021.
Volkswagen also has a special bonus for early ID.4 adopters: three years of complimentary unlimited charging on the Electrify America network, covering more than 470 charging stations and 2,000 public DC fast chargers across the US.
VW ID.4 Advanced Tech and Safety
The VW ID.4's standard 10-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment system features integrated navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. And with the standard wireless charging pad, drivers can enjoy seamless connectivity completely cable-free. A larger 12-inch Discover Pro Max touchscreen with gesture control comes standard on the ID.4 Pro S.
For a safer and more convenient behind-the-wheel experience, every ID.4 comes replete with VW IQ.DRIVE advanced driver-assistance technologies, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Front Assist collision mitigation
- Lane Assist
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
VW ID.4 Financial Benefits
- Federal Tax Credits: As of June 2021, the ID.4 is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500.
- Charging Equipment Rebate: Maryland's Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Rebate program provides rebates of up to $700 for individuals or $4,000 for businesses to help mitigate the cost of charging equipment and installation. In addition, some utilities like Potomac Edison offer similar rebates.
- Off-Peak Charging Rates: Electric utilities like Pepco, Potomac Edison (and other First Energy Corp companies), and Appalachian power offer special rates and rewards for charging during off-peak hours.
- HOV Lanes: The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration issues a special permit to display on clean fuel vehicles for access to high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers. Additionally, Virginia issues a Clean Special Fuel license plate to use HOV lanes in Alexandria and on designated sections of I-64, I-264, and the Dulles Toll Road.
Test-drive the all-new VW ID.4 near Silver Spring, MD, and Alexandria, VA
Contact Ourisman Volkswagen of Waldorf today to learn more about the 2021 VW ID.4 and its available trim levels, options, and financing offers. And if you'd like to experience one for yourself, we invite you to schedule an in-person or at-home test drive via Ourisman to Go. We'll be happy to give you a tour.