Hitting the Road Electric: A Family Adventure in the Volkswagen ID.4 2024

Electric vehicles are on everyone’s radars these days. And as a seasoned driver of a 2017 SUV, the transition to an electric vehicle has been especially palpable as my family and I are due to upgrade our wheels. Like many families, we have been at a crossroads, pondering the shift to purchase another gas-guzzling machine, a hybrid or go full electric. To be honest, I’m not an early adopter of technology. Instead, I’ve been a cautious observer as my friends have embraced electric vehicles (EVs) and kept a close eye as the charging infrastructure has rapidly evolved in my neighborhood. It really does seem like new charging stations are popping up weekly! Call me timid, but I prefer to watch, learn and proceed with caution when it comes to new things.

But as luck would have it, the opportunity to test drive the Volkswagen ID.4 was presented to ParentsCanada and provided an invaluable opportunity for my family to experience the realities of EV ownership firsthand for five days.

Our journey into the world of electric vehicles began with a comprehensive introduction to the Volkswagen ID.4 from the Volkswagen team at their Ajax, Ontario headquarters. Thomas Tetzlaff, Manager, Public Relations, Volkswagen Group, led and his enthusiasm was infectious. We came with a barrage of questions about the car’s technology, charging infrastructure and overall operation. We were particularly curious about the intricacies of the large iPad-like screen and the complexities of the charging network. Tetzlaff quickly dispelled our initial concerns about EV ownership, patiently addressing our queries and providing the clarity we needed to confidently embark on our electric adventure in picturesque Muskoka. We booked a weekend getaway to Taboo Resort plus a visit with friends near Gravenhurst to explore the Volkswagen ID.4’s capabilities. 

Everything I learned about charging electric vehicles

While the car’s performance was exceptional, navigating the charging landscape presented a new set of challenges. Finding charging stations that could replenish our battery to at least 20 percent was a concern at the beginning but as we became EV pros, we adjusted to the new way of thinking: With EVs, you plan. In fact, you keep track of the kilometres you have and how many are required for your trip. You make note of the charging stations along the way and budget time for the charging. I’m very sorry to say, but if you don’t like using your math and planning skills, this might not be the car for you. It certainly took getting used to for me, but the FLO app proved to be an invaluable tool in locating available stations. It is noteworthy that the reality of charging times was a stark contrast to the convenience of filling up a gas tank. Bring a book! Bring a snack!

My family also quickly learned that there’s a world of difference between slow and fast chargers. While slow chargers are more plentiful, they significantly extend charging times. Fast chargers, though less common, especially in rural areas like Muskoka, were essential for our itinerary. Careful planning and a bit of patience were key to making the most of our time.

Getting into the details of the Volkswagen ID.4

You know about the charging. Now, let me tell you about the Volkswagen ID.4 itself. For starters, it’s a standout vehicle.  

Its sleek exterior and spacious interior create a modern and inviting atmosphere. It felt great to sit in a new car and take in that new car smell. The seats were super comfortable and the driving experience was remarkably smooth and quiet, thanks to the electric powertrain. The acceleration is instant, which made merging onto highways and overtaking other vehicles a breeze. The car’s handling is precise and responsive, which inspired confidence on the winding roads of lake country.

There’s two cool modes that you can place the car in: normal drive or B mode. B mode is like driving a golf cart; the car slows down to a stop as you lift your foot off the gas pedal. No need to slam on the brakes! We loved this feature.

One of the Volkswagen ID.4’s especially cool features is its impressive range. While our Muskoka adventure pushed the limits of the battery, we were pleasantly surprised by the car’s ability to cover significant distances on a single charge. For most daily commutes and shorter trips, the range is more than adequate.

Let’s take a look inside

Inside the cabin, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers a comfortable and tech-savvy environment. The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display (like a giant iPad) where most of the vehicle’s functions live and we quickly merged my iPhone to the system and it was like being home. 

While the interface has a learning curve, it becomes intuitive with time. The available advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control in which your car automatically slows down on the highway based on the speed and distance of the car ahead of you is brilliant. We didn’t even know that this technology existed. The lane-keeping assist adds an extra layer of safety and convenience. I absolutely loved these features as it reduces the chance of an accident tremendously.

Safety first is the M.O. of this model

We all like a pretty car, but safety is at the heart of car-buying, especially with precious cargo on board. Standard features of the Volkswagen ID.4 include an advanced air bag system with six air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, an electromechanical brake booster, an anti-theft immobilizer, front safety belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and a Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system to connect child safety seats. Front and rear side curtain air bags round out the safety equipment.

Driver aids include a rearview camera system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Light Assist high-beam control, and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking. You also get Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Front Assist with forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring as standard features. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system to give you a top-down view of your Volkswagen ID.4 and surroundings to help you navigate even the tightest parking spots.

And did I mention the massage chairs? The seats can be cooled or ventilated and allow occupants to be massaged in ten different ways. I must say, we loved this feature. Who doesn’t want a massage when tackling traffic?

Load the trunk, strap in, there’s plenty of room

You’ll discover plenty of cargo and storage space in the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, making it an excellent choice for hauling the kids back and forth to their extracurricular activities or for your next family vacation. Fold the rear seats down to find 64.2 cubic feet of generous cargo space. With the rear seats in use, you’ll still have 30.3 cubic feet of space in the back. Passengers will appreciate the 41.1 inches of front legroom and 37.6 inches in the rear seats, allowing everyone to stretch out for the drive. Cargo space is another highlight of the Volkswagen ID.4. The rear seats fold flat to create a generous cargo area, making it practical for family outings or weekend getaways. 

A note about charging stations: The chicken or the egg, which came first?

Canada’s EV charging infrastructure is currently a patchwork of different networks and standards, with companies like Electrify Canada, FLO, and ChargePoint leading the way. While most EVs can utilize Level 1 and Level 2 charging at home or public spaces, DC fast charging (ideal and fast), crucial for long journeys, often requires specific connectors compatible with certain vehicle brands. This fragmentation mirrors the early days of smartphone chargers, where different devices required unique cables. However, the industry is moving towards standardization, aiming to unify charging protocols like the transition from micro-USB to USB-C. By 2025, the goal is to establish a universal charging standard for EVs across North America., making charging as seamless as refuelling a gas-powered car.

As of November 2021, there were approximately 3,000 DC fast charging ports available in Canada, a significant increase from previous years. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 4,300 DC fast charging ports by 2025. This expansion, coupled with the growing number of Level 2 chargers in public spaces and workplaces, is essential to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on Canadian roads.

However, the EV industry faces a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma: consumers are hesitant to adopt electric vehicles without a robust charging infrastructure, while charging station operators are cautious about investing in extensive networks without sufficient EV demand. To accelerate the transition to electric transportation, coordinated efforts from governments, automakers, and charging infrastructure providers are essential to bridge this gap and build consumer confidence in EV ownership.

Costing out the Volkswagen ID.4’s Charging Options

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 is designed for versatility and convenience, offering multiple charging solutions to fit your lifestyle:

1. Home Charging

• Level 1 Charging (120V): Every Volkswagen ID.4 comes with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard household outlet. It’s the slowest charging method, providing about 2-5 miles of range per hour, making it suitable for overnight charging or topping off.
• Level 2 Charging (240V): For faster home charging, you can install a Level 2 charging station, which requires a 240V outlet (similar to what large appliances use). Level 2 chargers can fully charge your Volkswagen ID.4 overnight, offering about 20-25 miles of range per hour.

2. Public Charging

• DC Fast Charging: For long-distance travel or quick charging on the go, the Volkswagen ID.4 supports DC fast charging. This method can charge the Volkswagen ID.4’s battery from 5 percent to 80 percent in about 38 minutes under optimal conditions, providing a rapid solution when you’re away from home.

• Use Apps: Apps like PlugShare or the Volkswagen Car-Net® mobile app can help you locate charging stations, providing details on the type of charger, availability, and charging speeds.
  
• Plan Ahead: For longer journeys, plan your route based on the location of DC fast charging stations to ensure you have access to quick charging when needed.

The TL;DR

While the Volkswagen ID.4 is undoubtedly a fantastic vehicle, the challenges we faced with charging infrastructure highlight the ongoing work required to make EV ownership truly seamless. However, it’s important to remember that the EV landscape is rapidly evolving. As more charging stations become available and charging times decrease, the appeal of electric vehicles will only continue to grow.

For those considering the switch to an electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID.4 is a compelling option. We loved it. Its combination of style, performance, and efficiency makes it a strong contender in the growing EV market. While there’s still room for improvement in terms of charging infrastructure, the overall ownership experience is undeniably positive.