2022 VW ID.4 has more range, quicker charging in the US, locally built cheaper ID.4 coming

The 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 has been launched in the United States where there is both good and bad news to share. On the positive side, you get a little bit more range than before, although the company isn’t going into details about how many extra miles the electric crossover is now able to cover. As a reminder, the 2021 ID.4 can travel for anywhere between 240 to 260 miles per EPA, depending on the trim level.

While the previous model year only allowed a maximum charging speed of 125 kilowatts, it’s now increasing by 10 kW provided you’ll be replenishing the battery at a fast-charging DC station. Volkswagen of America goes on to say it’s working on new software that will come via an over the air (OTA) update later in 2022 to add a plug & charge feature as well as an auto-hold function.

You’re probably aware the ID.4 for the US market is currently sourced from Germany where VW builds the EV at its Zwickau plant. However, the future 2023MY for North America will roll off the assembly line at the factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It will swap out the LG batteries of the German-made version for a new pack from SKI featuring similar battery chemistry. In addition, the ID.4 carrying the “Made in USA” label is going to have a slightly different center console by adopting a more “American-style.”

These changes were announced by VW of America CEO Scott Keogh in an interview with Car and Driver. The head honcho went on to say the 2023 ID.4 pricing will be in line with the current 2022 ID.4, which is up to $765 more expensive than the initial 2021 model year. Keogh promised a new entry-level trim will be added at some point with less range after installing a smaller battery. It could arrive for the 2024MY.

Meanwhile, the 2022 ID.4 is listed on VW USA’s website where it starts at $40,760 or as low as $33,260 after factoring in the federal tax credit.

[Source: Car and Driver]