VW’s ID.4 could be the EV for the people
With an uptake of EV SUV’s worldwide, when, if ever, will the trend hit SA? VW aims to speed things along with their ID.4 offering.
It’s an undeniable fact that electric vehicles (EVs) have been steadily gaining popularity over the last couple of years. Majority of this charge (get it?) has been led by SUVs, which is unsurprising considering the unquenchable thirst for the things by global markets. This includes South Africa, of course.
As more cities across the world ban the sale of new gas-powered cars, the takeup is all but guaranteed. Some brands, like Volvo and Jaguar, have even announced their full swing to becoming EV-only manufacturers. Could electric SUVs persuade us to ditch fossil fuels for good?
There are a few enticing options heading our way in the near future. Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW will soon launch their all-electric models, the EQC and iX respectively. Audi's E-Tron is also on the cards for a local introduction next year, joining the already offered i-PACE from Jaguar.
However, VW’s offering should be the one to watch. The ID.4 is pegged to be their ambitious “global model” similar to the original Beetle. And judging by Mzansi’s love for the VeeDub brand, it might well be our pick of the bunch. If you can get over the bulbous looks, that is.
Part of the brand’s second phase of their electric mobility strategy is bringing in a few ID.4 models for “research purposes” and testing by local media and dealerships sometime in 2022. VW wants to gauge the public’s interest in EV uptake, but based on a previous survey they discovered that 90% of their customers indicated they would consider buying one. Sounds promising, right?
Yet in a country lacking sufficient charging infrastructure, are we ready for the EV onslaught? Unsurprisingly, EVs haven’t been that popular in SA, and there’s a reason for that. Well, a few reasons, to be fair. They’re expensive, have limited range with lengthy recharge times, and not to mention the limited charging network.
Nonetheless, the German manufacturer wants to lead local EV sales in the coming years. Judging by their products that seems like a realistic goal. The ID.4 is the current World Car of the Year and VW’s best-selling electric model. We’ll obviously let you know our thoughts when we eventually get the chance to experience it ourselves.
Until then, let’s hope some governmental changes get passed that gives new EV buyers an incentive to purchase, because right now they’re a bit beyond regular Joe’s budget.
Images: Martin Meiners/Supplied