Volkswagen ID.4 is the Cheapest AWD EV in the USA

The AWD ID.4 starts at $43,675. 2 electric motors worth 285hp. The Pro model has a 0-60mph of 5.7 seconds.

“We’re committed to making EVs the default choice for Americans,” said Scott Keogh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen of America. “The all-wheel-drive ID.4 merges the utility and zero-emissions driving delivered by the rear-wheel-drive vehicle with the performance from our sporty vehicles.”

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ABOVE: 2021 VW ID.4

The AWD ID.4 AWD uses 2 motors, a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor at the rear 201hp/228 lbf.ft) and a new asynchronous electric motor up front(107hp/ 119lbf.ft). The only thing linking the 2 motors are cables from the control unit. As seen in the cut-away view, the battery runs under the floor between the 2 motors, adding extra weight low. This also improves stability by keeping the centre of gravity low.

The motors connect to the wheels via a differential with a single-speed gearbox.

The AWD system uses the rear wheels for much of the time. It handles regular driving situations, bringing in the front wheels only when needed. If the ID.4 senses wheel spin, all wheels will be powered up to give as much traction as possible.

The advantage of an EV is that electric motors are much faster to react than than any ICE engine. The front motor will kick in within a few 100ths of a second, and all without the driver being aware that anything has happened.

The AWD system uses the Vehicle Dynamics Manager to monitor and control the motors. As with all EVs, the control system finds the best balance between performance and battery life and range.

In both rear-wheel-drive, and AWD ID.4’s, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager works with other systems such as the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). It controls both motors, including the front motor when it is engaged. ID.4 has an XDS+ brake-based electronic differential to help when cornering at speed. it gently brakes the inside wheels to turn the car slightly into the bend, giving extra control and stability.

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