How Volkswagen Electric Cars Are Making VW a Key Player in EV Expansion

The Upcoming Volkswagen EVs Will Be Some of the Most Sustainable and Affordable Yet

The debut of the Volkswagen ID.4 – the automaker’s first electric vehicle – marked the beginning of a legacy that has grown by leaps and bounds over the past three years. The Volkswagen electric SUV won the 2021 World Car of the Year Award and appeared on several editors’ choice lists.

Clearly, the automaker knew what they were doing with their first all-electric effort. However, the plan was never to be one-and-done. With the success of the Volkswagen ID.4, proof of concept was established in the eyes of consumers. In addition to creating several more Volkswagen electric cars for the ID lineup, the German automaker has made some strategic moves and partnerships to become a key player in EV expansion.

The Volkswagen EV Sales Speak for Themselves

VW did not become an official competitor in the U.S. electric vehicle space until Q4 2020, so they are still considered relatively new when compared to the likes of Tesla. However, the VW brand isn’t letting their newcomer status deter their success. Volkswagen Newsroom released the following stats earlier in the year:

• VW delivered 572,100 electric vehicles in 2022, which is a 26% year-over-year increase.
• VW is the electric vehicle market leader in Europe and is currently ranked fourth in the U.S.
• EV deliveries increased by 68% year-over-year in the Chinese market.

What’s even more impressive about these stats is that VW was dealing with semiconductor chip shortages and supply chain issues. It’s projected these numbers will continue to improve now that the chip and supply chain issues are being resolved. They’re popular vehicles for a variety of reasons, most of which are their performance and the many benefits owners get from driving.

Volkswagen Electric Cars Will Continue to Evolve and Improve

One of the best benefits of choosing a Volkswagen EV is battery life. The 2023 ID.4 Pro uses an 82kWh battery pack that enables drivers to travel up to 275 miles on the single charge. To further incentivize drivers, the VW ID.4 comes with three years of unlimited DC fast charging sessions at electrify America Stations. When recharging, drivers can expect to get up to 80% of their battery power replenished in 30-36 minutes, which is about the length of the average grocery store run.

As more Volkswagen electric cars roll out, these vehicles will offer longer single-charge driving ranges using more powerful batteries. The upcoming ID.7 – the VW electric sedan – is projected to deliver more than 350 miles of single-charge driving distance. It’s also being reported the ID.7 will use an 86kWh battery pack.

As the max ranges and charging network continue to expand and improve, more drivers will feel confident in making the switch to a VW EV. The aim is to make “range anxiety” a thing of the past.

Another great benefit drivers get is classic VW good looks and brilliant design. Volkswagen is displaying their flair for variety with some of their upcoming electric vehicles. The 2024 ID. Buzz is a future-forward all-electric rendition of the Type 2 Microbus from the 1970s. VW also has a driverless taxi in the works, which uses autonomous driving technology for long-distance trips. The Gen.Travel concept is estimated to get 300 miles on a single charge, and is the ideal road trip companion for those looking for short-haul airline alternatives.

Investing in the Future of Volkswagen EVs

The original Volkswagen ID.4 was made overseas in Germany. When the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was passed, it rewarded those who made a new electric vehicle purchase with a tax credit of up to $7,500; however, one major caveat is that the vehicles must be manufactured domestically for their owners to be eligible for the credit.

With a shift to a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, VW buyers can now benefit from this tax credit. In addition to the tax credit benefit, the domestic production of this vehicle also helps iron out logistical supply chain issues, making a new electric Volkswagen even easier to acquire.

Of course, the shift to domestic production is just one example of how VW is committed to making their EVs as appealing as possible to consumers. Volkswagen is heavily invested in the expansion of charging infrastructure and has made some key partnerships to ensure their battery materials are properly and ethically sourced.

On a related note, the battery on the Volkswagen ID.4 comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), further providing drivers peace of mind their EV’s most critical part is protected. It’s expected subsequent Volkswagen electric cars and SUVs will offer the same warranty protections.

How to Learn More About the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Future of Electric Vehicles

The next big U.S. Volkswagen EV releases are the ID. Buzz in 2024 and the ID.7 in 2025. Preorders for the ID. Buzz will likely kick off in Q4 2023.

To learn more about the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 or to arrange a test drive, contact your local VW dealership in Houston.

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