Volkswagen ID4 with 58 kWh from American factory

The delivery range of Volkswagen’s electric ID models can be compared well with a roller coaster in these times of shortages. Since the introduction of the ID3, numerous versions of that car and the ID4 have been announced, but just as many variants have disappeared. The smaller ID3 is officially still in three flavors on the price list, but in practice it is only available as a Pro Edition with 58 kWh and 204 hp. In the Netherlands, ID4 and ID5 are currently only available with a 77 kWh battery, in three different power variants. The previously announced 52 kWh version has already disappeared.

In the US there is now a version with a smaller battery pack, albeit not as compact as that of ‘our’ former starter. Volkswagen USA gives a value of 62 kWh, but this seems to be a gross value. In Europe, Volkswagen uses the net capacity, and then this ‘just’ turns out to be the 58 kWh package from the ID3. A logical step that makes you wonder why it wasn’t taken sooner. The same battery is also available in the Skoda Enyaq, the Czech counterpart of the ID4. The cheaper version delivers 150 kW of power, or the well-known 204 hp.

The arrival of the smaller battery pack lowers the entry-level price of the ID4 in the US by about $3,700. The new battery is not the only change for the ID4, which will also be built in the US from now on for the US market. It will take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee. As of model year 2023, there are more changes to be found. For example, the grille in the front bumper is now painted black in the US and American ID4s get the previously optional 12-inch touchscreen as standard.

And now the big question: to what extent do these changes also apply to the Netherlands? The answer: not. The importer indicates that there are no plans for the time being to introduce the new entry-level version of the ID4 here, so it is one in the ‘never say never’ category.