Update: Added official statement from Volkswagen regarding the increased range.
It's hard to believe the Volkswagen ID.4 debuted over a year and a half ago. September 2020 is when the electric SUV broke cover, boasting modest performance with a $40,000 starting price and a maximum range of 260 miles. For 2022 that range is even better, with VW stating the ID.4's EPA-estimated range is up to 280 miles.
That figure applies to the ID.4 Pro model with rear-wheel drive. In addition, VW announced that the all-wheel-drive Pro gets an estimated range of 251 miles. Stepping up a trim level, the ID.4 Pro S RWD receives an estimated range of 268 miles, with AWD models going 245 miles on a charge. Regardless of drive, all ID.4 models feature an 84 kWh battery pack. 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) is standard on RWD ID.4s, with the extra motor for AWD generating a combined 295 hp (220 kW).
Gallery: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD: First Drive
In a press release on the subject, Volkswagen didn't offer a reason for the range increase. In January we reported some minor changes coming to the ID.4 for 2022, including unspecified software and hardware changes. A more powerful 135-kilowatt onboard charger is included for 2022, but specific battery updates – if any – are unknown. Additionally, it's unclear if the range testing procedure has changed for 2022.
Motor1.com contacted Volkwagen for clarification on the added range. In an email, a VW spokesperson stated the range increase is due to "minor refinement and component maturity, such as more refined fit and finish over time in production."
To sweeten the ID.4 for 2022, VW announced a deal with Electrify America that gives ID.4 owners free 30-minute charging sessions for three years, with unlimited use. The vehicle price is up slightly, however. The 2022 ID.4 starts at $40,760, not including a $1,195 destination charge. That's a $765 increase from 2020.
