Connect with us

Published

on

Volkswagen of America revealed today that the 2024 VW ID.4 electric compact SUV is getting a major upgrade for its 82 kWh battery models – here’s the lowdown.

2024 VW ID.4

The Chattanooga, Tennessee-made 2024 ID.4 will be available in three trim levels – Standard/Pro, S, and S Plus – with the option of 62 kWh or 82 kWh batteries, as well as RWD or AWD.

But it’s the 82 kWh battery models that are getting spruced up, so let’s first look at their horsepower upgrade. Those models are getting a new performance drive unit with greater horsepower and range compared to the 2023 model. The RWD model will produce 282 horsepower, and the AWD model will make around 330 horsepower.

For an AWD model comparison, the 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro S with an 82 kWh battery produces 295 horsepower, so that’s a nice boost.

The 2024 ID.4’s horsepower increase will boost acceleration and deliver enhanced range, but VW isn’t quite ready to reveal what the new range will be – the automaker says that “EPA-estimated ranges for the 2024 ID.4 will be available closer to market introduction.”

On the infotainment front, the 82 kWh ID.4 models are getting a larger display. The 2023 models have a 12-inch display, but 2024 models will boast a 12.9-inch display with backlit sliders, as well as what VW says is “a new and more intuitive climate control interface and a revised infotainment menu. “

The 2024 82 kWh models will also have a new shifter position and a revised steering wheel layout:

They’ll also have ventilated front-row seats, and S Plus models will have a premium harman/kardon audio system with nine speakers plus a subwoofer and a 16-channel amplifer. (The 2023 model has seven speakers plus a subwoofer.)

As for wheel size, ID.4 Standard AWD models will feature larger, 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and S Plus vehicles are jumping from 20-inch to 21-inch machined alloy wheels. 

Pricing for the 2024 ID.4 will be released closer to its on-sale date in early 2024.

Electrek’s Take

I drive a 2023 ID.4 AWD Pro S with an 82 kWh battery, so I’m kinda experiencing a little bit of FOMO about these upgrades. But as new models are introduced, improvements are expected – that’s the way it should be.

I’m intrigued to see what the 2024 models’ ranges are on the 82 kWh models, as well as what the prices will be. VW notes in its announcement that 2023 models qualify for the full $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act tax credit, but doesn’t explicitly say that next year’s models will qualify. So we’ll see.

The backlit sliders will improve climate control and volume ergonomics, and I’m looking forward to see what the more intuitive climate control looks like. I think the automatic climate control in the 2023 ID.4 is pretty good; the only time I need to help it is when my windscreen fogs up. Maybe they’ll improve that.

What I do spot is that the hazard button, which is directly below the screen on the 2023 model, has been moved further down, between the air vents (see the main photo). This is a big win. I cannot tell you the number of times I or my passenger has accidentally turned the hazards lights on because the sensitive button is directly beneath the volume slider, so the palm of my hand bumps it. It’s extremely annoying, not to mention potentially dangerous.

There are other buttons missing beneath the screen in the 2024 models, such as the “climate” and “mode” buttons, so it will be interesting to find out where they’ve been relocated to.

I can’t really tell when comparing 2023 to 2024 what the revised steering wheel layout is apart from “view” being moved from the bottom to the bottom left, and it’s not clear to me what the new bottom “fast forward” arrows will do. Maybe it’s for music.

The chunky shifter position has been moved off the screen behind the steering wheel to what looks like a more traditional position on the steering column. This is a welcome change, as the 2023 shifter position is a little awkward and isn’t intuitive.

I’m going to keep an eye out for when the 2024 models arrive at my local dealer and will definitely want to test drive them to see if these upgrades really do make a difference.

Read more: Volkswagen Group delivered 42% more BEVs in Q1 2023 – here’s how it breaks down

Photo: Volkswagen of America


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ bill will cause a US energy shortage – SEIA

Published

on

By

Trump's 'Big, Beautiful' bill will cause a US energy shortage – SEIA

The US solar industry just raised the alarm over the GOP’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” warning it could kneecap America’s energy future and trigger a massive power shortage in its current form.

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is warning that legislation recently passed by the House Ways and Means Committee could shut down or prevent nearly 300 solar and battery storage factories from opening. If this bill becomes law without changes, the US could lose enough solar generation by 2030 to power the state of Pennsylvania for a year. That’s 145,000 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity that could vanish.

The SEIA analysis paints a grim picture: Nearly 300,000 US jobs are at risk, including 86,000 in solar manufacturing alone. And here’s the twist, as I’ve pointed out before – about 80% of the jobs and factories at risk are in red states that voted for Trump.

“There is still time to improve this bill, which, as written, represents a crisis for America’s ability to build the energy infrastructure we need to meet surging demand,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

The SEIA says the legislation would slam the brakes on solar and storage investments just as energy demand is soaring, thanks partly to the explosion in AI and data centers. SEIA estimates the bill could wipe out $220 billion in potential investments by 2030.

The House bill also repeals the Section 25D residential solar tax credit, which has been a critical driver of solar adoption for middle-class families. Without it, installing solar gets way more expensive – and out of reach for many households.

As Electrek reported last week, solar and wind accounted for almost 98% of new US electrical generating capacity added in Q1 2025, according to new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) data.

Solar and wind also made up an impressive 100% of new capacity in March, and March was the 19th consecutive month in which solar was the largest source of new capacity.

The US needs to add 206.5 gigawatts of new energy capacity by 2030. Solar is expected to deliver nearly three-quarters of that. If the bill guts solar incentives, we’re looking at higher electricity bills and slower economic growth. SEIA says the rollback could drive up consumer energy costs by $51 billion.

Hopper didn’t mince words: “Passing this bill would create a catastrophic energy shortfall, cede AI and tech leadership to China, and damage some of the most vital sectors of the US economy.”

She added that the Senate can still step in with a smarter proposal that aligns with Trump’s push for US energy dominance.

SEIA’s message to lawmakers? Fix the bill or energy production will plummet, blackouts will become more frequent, and the US will face a devastating – and completely avoidable – energy shortage.

Read more: The House draft budget kills the 30% residential solar tax credit


To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Lucid Gravity flexes its power at the Nürburgring alongside other upcoming EVs [Video]

Published

on

By

Lucid Gravity flexes its power at the Nürburgring alongside other upcoming EVs [Video]

Lucid’s Gravity is a three-row electric SUV, but it’s faster than most sports cars. Boasting up to 828 hp, the luxury SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. The Lucid Gravity was spotted ripping around the Nürburgring track in Germany, showing off its power and agility. Check it out in the videos below.

Lucid Gravity hits the Nürburgring for testing

As it ramps up production of its first electric SUV, Lucid is preparing for another big year of growth. Last week, Lucid’s interim CEO, Marc Winterhoff, told Bloomberg that the company would enter new parts of Europe and the Middle East this year.

Two Lucid Gravity test vehicles with European test plates were recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring, hinting that an official launch could be coming soon.

In a video from StateSideSuperCars posted last week, you can catch a glimpse of the Gravity (skip to 9:45) showing off its agility, handling, and control as it rips around the race track.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Another video, courtesy of EMS Sport TV, shows the Gravity test vehicle alongside several other current and upcoming EV models, including BMW’s Neue Klasse SUV, Mercedes CLA EV, and what appears to be the Kia EV4 sedan.

Lucid Gravity electric SUV testing at Nürburgring (Source: StateSideSuperCars)

During the Gravity’s “Celestial Arrival” in March, Winterhoff said Gravity deliveries would resume by the end of April. Lucid delivered the first models in December 2024, but those were for family, friends, and employees.

The Lucid Gravity Grand Touring is available to order in the US. Prices start at $94,900 with up to 450 miles of range. Later this year, Lucid will launch the Gravity Touring model, starting at $79,900.

Lucid Gravity electric SUV testing at Nürburgring (Source: EMSSportTV)

On Lucid’s website, the Gravity SUV is still unavailable to order in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, or Norway.

The Lucid Gravity Grand Touring and Touring models are available in Saudi Arabia, starting at SAR 487,715 ($130,000) and SAR 416,645 ($111,000), respectively.

Another luxury electric SUV was recently spotted at the Nürburgring. The “ultra-luxe” Genesis GV90 was caught with less camo, giving us our best look at the upcoming flagship SUV.

Source: Lucidowners.com

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

Waffle House is getting DC fast chargers – and it’s a genius move

Published

on

By

Waffle House is getting DC fast chargers – and it's a genius move

Waffle House is about to become a go-to DC fast charging spot for EV drivers, thanks to a new partnership with bp pulse.

The EV charging arm of British oil giant bp just announced a “strategic relationship” with the American diner chain to bring DC fast charging to a network of Waffle House locations across the South and Southeast, including Texas, Georgia, and Florida.

Each site will get six DC fast charging bays with 400kW chargers featuring both CCS and NACS connectors. The first stations are expected to go live in 2026.

Now, if you’ve ever been on a road trip through the South, you already know Waffle House is always open. Like, always. The lights are on 24/7, even during hurricanes and major storms. There’s actually something called the “Waffle House Index” used by FEMA and emergency responders to gauge how bad a storm is. If the Waffle House is closed? It’s serious.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

That makes these locations a pretty smart choice for DC fast chargers. In an evacuation scenario or on a road trip, it’s a reliable place to stop, fast charge your car, and grab a plate of smothered and covered hash browns.

“Adding an iconic landmark like Waffle House to our growing portfolio of EV charging sites is such an exciting opportunity,” said Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse Americas. “We’re building a robust network of ultrafast chargers across the country.”

A bp pulse spokesperson told Electrek that the “first batch of 50 sites is already in the works.” And with Waffle House locations situated along major highways and well-traveled routes, this move could make a big difference in EV charging accessibility, especially in areas that need an EV infrastructure boost.

Read more: Rivian R1T gets dragged 100 feet after Hurricane Helene and still runs [Video]


If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending