The Volkswagen ID.4 and the entire electric ID range of cars follow the brand’s greatest disaster, Dieselgate. It’s been over five years since reports alleged that Volkswagen was tampering with vehicle settings to make them seem more efficient. It’s been a rocky road for the German carmaker, losing billions of dollars as a result. However, now VW has come out with an entire line of electric vehicles, and the newest, the ID.4, is set to be a huge sales success.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is entering a highly competitive EV market

The Model S was already a massive hit for Tesla, despite its relatively high starting price. The introduction of the Model 3 cemented Tesla as one of the key players in the EV market by offering an excellent car for less than $40,000. That’s where the new Volkswagen ID.4 comes in with its $39,995 starting price. It is important to note that the ID.4 also qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit. 

Being backed by a major manufacturer like Volkswagen gives the new ID line credibility that new EV brands have yet to build. According to Volkswagen, the ID.4 comes equipped with rear-wheel drive and 201 hp or all-wheel drive and 302 hp. The estimated range is 250 miles, and if VW has learned anything from Dieselgate, it’s not to mess up performance figures.

It’s the right product at the right time

The world is currently buying up all of SUVs and crossovers they can handle, and the Volkswagen ID.4 fits the bill perfectly. The small electric crossover now has to battle the newly-released Tesla Model Y. Luckily for Volkswagen, the Model Y carries a starting price of almost $50,000. The Model Y sits almost $10,000 above the ID.4 and does not qualify for the federal tax credit. Add to that the various production issues Tesla has had making its newest model, and there is a real opportunity for VW.

A significant setback for the first crop of EVs was the lack of charging stations. The Volkswagen ID.4 won’t have to suffer those drawbacks given the considerable expansion of charging networks across the country. Although it may not have access to Tesla’s supercharging network, new fast-charging stations are becoming more common. The ID.4 should arrive in early 2021, although Volkswagen has already begun taking orders. 

It has a futuristic design with a minimalist interior

Aside from crazy drag racing videos, EV’s are often made appealing by their design. The Volkswagen ID.4 nails this point by employing smooth lines and LED lighting throughout the interior. The lack of an internal combustion engine also means there is no need for air intakes. This allows the VW to have a smooth, aerodynamic look. The ID.4’s cabin seems to be the most futuristic characteristic of all. A minimalist digital display and a large center display control all of the car’s settings and functions.

Volkswagen managed to sell 81,508 units of the Atlas and 109,963 units of the Tiguan in 2019. VW already has the customer base, and the ID.4 sits very closely in price to its siblings. VW also has the infrastructure necessary to back up large-scale production, which means that they have a real money-maker on their hands.