The Volkswagen ID.4 Electric SUV: The Complete Guide For India

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

For those keen on an overview of the Indian and global electric vehicle (EV) market, simply scroll down to the end of the article!

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The VW ID.4 Electric SUV

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Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years. The portfolio of VW EVs include:

• The all-electric ID.3
• The all-electric ID.4
• The all-electric ID.4 GTX
• The all-electric e-up!
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Saloon
• Passat GTE Plug-In Hybrid Estate
• Touareg R Plug-In Hybrid
• Golf Plug-In Hybrid

The series production of the all-electric VW ID.4 commenced in August 2020 at the company’s factory in Zwickau (Germany). The ID.3 VW hatchback electric car is also manufactured at the same location. The pure electric ID.4 is a compact crossover, well suited for families, seeking practicality and ample interior space. The ID.4 EV is a good all-rounder and a decent option for those seeking to migrate to zero-emission electric driving. The ID.4 is the second electric vehicle (EV) to use the bespoke MEB platform, after the all-electric ID.3.

The VW ID.4 has much to offer families and company-car drivers keen to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. For a start, the e-SUV is available in two EV battery sizes (52 kWh and 77 kWh), giving consumers a wider choice based on their needs. Moreover, the EV is available as both, a rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD).

For the smaller 52 kWh EV battery, the manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 223 miles (WLTP), and for the larger 77 kWh EV battery, the claimed e-range is up to 329 miles (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the EV delivers a useful and practical electric range, for most day-to-day needs and for longer distance motorway driving.

For those new to electric driving, a number of factors impact the claimed range. These include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, wheel size, onboard services used, passenger load and more. The electric car also incorporates regenerative braking to increase the efficiency and electric range. For the 52 kWh EV battery a pure electric range closer to 190 miles is more realistic, while for the larger EV battery, an electric range closer to 280 miles is realistic.

The VW EV offers DC charging up to 125 kW for the 77 kWh variant and up to 110 kW DC for the 52 kWh variant. Both variants can be charged up to 80% in 38 minutes. Just enough time for a coffee and short motorway break.

The EV does incorporate a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Given that most homes in India are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. For those with access to three-phase (11 kW) charging at home or at work, the 52 kWh EV can be fully charged in 7 hours and 30 minutes. Single-phase EV charging (7.4 kW) will take longer. The 77 kWh EV battery will take just over 12 hours for a full charge.

Though the EV can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity prices are lower. We also recommend charging on a regular basis. This way charging times are reduced and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. The manufacturer offers a 8 years/ 100,000 miles warranty. 

In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive VW ID.4 (52 kWh) electric SUV can achieve 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds (maximum power: 170 PS). The all-wheel drive VW ID.4 (77 kWh) can achieve 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds (maximum power: 265 PS). The top speed for the EV is 99 mph. Of course, the electric car also benefits from instant torque.

The VW EV has a host of features on offer, to include: lane assist, park assistance plus with front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, dynamic road sign display, front assist – autonomous emergency  braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring and more. The electric SUV is practical, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The EV has a 543 L boot space.

The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV is not available in India.

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PROS	CONS
Good pure electric range	All-wheel drive (AWD) not standard for all variants
Available in two EV battery sizes	125 kW DC not standard for all variants
11 kW onboard charger as standard	Top of the line trim is expensive

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The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV (credit: VW)

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Driving an electric vehicle (EV) is cheaper than driving a petrol or diesel vehicle. As an example, in India, filling a full tank of fuel for the internal combustion engine (ICE) Tata Nexon SUV will cost up to Rs 5,000 (assuming an average cost per litre of Rs 100. The Tata Nexon has a fuel tank capacity of 44 L).

In comparison, the Tata Nexon Pure Electric SUV will cost less than Rs 300 for a full EV battery charge (EV Battery size: 30.2 kWh). In India, the average cost for residential electricity is between Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kWh(unit). Therefore the cost to drive per km (or mile) in a pure electric vehicle is substantially lower than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:	SUV
Engine:	Electric
Available In India:	No

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Trims (2 Options)
ID.4 Life Edition
ID.4 Style Edition

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in two EV battery size: 52 kWh/ 77 kWh
Charging:	Up to 125 kW DC Rapid Charging standard. 11 kW onboard charger
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	0g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1640
Width (mm):	1852
Length (mm):	4584
Wheelbase (mm):	2770
Turning Circle (m):	10.2
Boot Capacity (L):	543

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ID.4 (52 kWh)
EV Battery Capacity:	52 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	221 – 223 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/ 62 mi):	16.3 – 16.5
Charging:	110 kW DC Rapid Charging (5%-80%: 38 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC 11 kW AC (0%–100%: 7 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	99 mph
0-62 mph:	9 – 10.9 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	109
Max Power (PS):	148 – 170
Torque (Nm):	N/A
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	1,968
Colours:	12
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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ID.4 (77 kWh)
EV Battery Capacity:	77 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	318 – 329 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/ 62 mi):	16.6 – 17.2
Charging:	125 kW DC Rapid Charging (5%-80%: 38 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%–100%: N/A)
Top Speed:	99 mph
0-62 mph:	6.9 – 10.4 seconds
Drive:	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)/ All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	174 – 265
Torque (Nm):	N/A
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,124
Colours:	12
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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India Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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India, like many other countries, is well positioned to benefit from the shift to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Road transportation is a major contributor to air pollution (over 30%), choking our towns, cities and villages across India. Diesel vehicles, in particular, diesel trucks and diesel buses, are significant sources for tailpipe emissions. But given the rise in the standard of living, since liberalisation, the demand for privately owned passenger cars has increased at an unprecedented pace, further worsening the air quality. India has more than 3 crores (30 million) cars releasing tailpipe emissions on its roads!

Though we have seen some improvements in air quality during the ongoing pandemic (as a result of lower vehicle traffic), India’s shift to electric driving will be key in achieving long-term higher air quality. Of course, apart from EVs, the continued development of green and renewable energy infrastructure will be key in achieving lower long-term air pollution. India has already demonstrated global leadership in regards to large-scale solar and wind projects! Hopefully, India will replicate the success with zero-emission electric vehicles.

Despite recent announcements and support from local and national government agencies in India, the EV market is still at a nascent stage, well, at least in terms of electric cars and electric vans. Two-wheel electric scooters and three-wheel electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) have demonstrated a strong uptake, and India is poised to become a global leader in electric scooters and electric rickshaws (e-tuk). In fact, the ubiquitous e-rickshaw commands an impressive 83% of the Indian electric vehicle market. India currently has over 15 lakhs (1.5 million) e-rickshaws, with each EV playing a role in reducing tailpipe emissions on our roads in India.

Sales of passenger electric cars is still at an early stage. In FY2021, though the market witnessed a growth of nearly 110% from the previous year, the absolute volume of cars sold was only 5,905 electric cars. Currently there are less that 15 pure electric car models available on sale in India.

Tata Motors, the biggest automotive manufacturer in India has launched the Tata Nexon electric SUV. Mahindra Electric, another leading Indian automotive manufacturer, has also launched a number of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs), to include, the Mahindra eVerito electric car, Mahindra eSupro electric van and Mahindra e2o Plus compact electric car. International manufacturers, like UK based MG Motors, have also launched the MG ZS electric SUV in India. Also available are the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE SUV and the Hyundai Kona electric SUV.

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Global Electric Vehicle (EV) Market

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Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), more commonly referred to simply as, electric vehicles (EVs) or as plug-in electric cars, have come a long way over the past decade and certainly a long way over the past 100 years.

Electric vehicles came into prominence in the early 1900’s, a time when horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transportation.  Archived black and white photographs from that period show famous avenues like Madison Avenue in New York city filled with horse-drawn carriages.  In stark contrast, a similar photograph taken a decade later of Madison Avenue showed not a single horse-drawn carriage.  Instead the avenue was filled with motor vehicles, a new invention at that time. 

We are now witnessing a similar fundamental shift in road transportation, as polluting internal combustion engines (ICE) petrol and diesel vehicles are being replaced by low-emission and zero-emission electric vehicles. In countries like the United Kingdom, a leader in e-mobility, we can expect a comprehensive replacement of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 (UK will ban the sale of new ICE cars in 2030). The UK is not the only country that has a vision of a mass transition to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars.

Since 2011, the global electric vehicle (EV) market has increased at a year-over-year growth rate of over 50%. In 2020, according to the Global EV Outlook 2021 report, the global stock of electric vehicles (EVs) had surpassed 10 million units . In 2015, the Global stock was just over 1 million units. In 2020, Europe accounted for the largest share of new car registrations of EVs (1.4 million registered electric vehicles), followed by China (1.2 million electric vehicles). In Europe, countries like Norway, Iceland and Sweden continue to show strong leadership in the transition to electric driving. In Norway more than 75% of new cars are electric, followed by 50% in Iceland and 30% in Sweden.

However, this is not just a western phenomenon. A number of countries across the world have announced their support for electric cars, to include India. Pure electric cars are now common sightings in a number of global markets, and EV automotive manufacturers, like California based Tesla Motors are now household brands.

Traditional automotive manufactures have also shown significant commitment to the migration to electric engines, to include Volvo Cars, the Volkswagen Group, Renault, Nissan, Peugeot, Hyundai, Mercedes, Land Rover and many more. Forecast for the sale of EVs suggest up to 30 million electric vehicles to be sold before the end of the current decade.

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