Inside EVs Selects ID.4 as the “Best EV under $40K for Families”

Facing the complaint that EVs are too expensive, Inside EVs, which focuses on electric vehicles, reviewed models with MSRPs under $40,000. Although the selection was limited, there are enough options for a thorough comparison. The $40,000 limit excluded many models with all-wheel drive (AWD), typically involving a second motor; therefore, most reviewed models were either front- or rear-wheel drive (RWD). After their analysis, Bud Brown Volkswagen is happy to inform you that Inside EVs selected the ID.4 as the best EV under $40,000 for families.

The default family vehicle these days is the compact crossover. Volkswagen already has a popular compact crossover, the Tiguan, so they did their best to apply what people liked about the Tiguan into the dedicated EV-platformed ID.4. Thus, you will find comfortable seating for five and an ample 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, increasing to 64.2 cubic feet when both rear seats are lowered.

The ID.4 is also tuned for family driving. It isn’t crazy fast like some EV luxury sedans, but its instant torque keeps it lively when accelerating and passing on the highway. Meanwhile, it remains smooth and quiet. It also earned a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration.

The ID.4 has a starting price of $45,095 for the Pro model with RWD. Since all ID.4 models are built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, they qualify for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit until that program expires on September 30th.

How Much Do Range and Charge Times Really Matter? 

The two specifications most often associated with EVs are their range on a single charge and the time needed to charge at a public station. While these details can matter for some EV owners, they might be completely irrelevant for others. If your EV is mainly for commuting and family errands around town, even on a busy day, you’re likely to travel much less than the ID4 Pro’s estimated 291-mile range, and any extra range is just icing on the cake. So do you really need the extended battery? 

Similarly, if you charge at home, public charging time doesn’t matter. Any EV can charge overnight with a Level 2 charger; however, how long it takes will matter little to you. For the record, it takes the ID.4 Pro S approximately 7.5 to 11.5 hours to charge fully on a Level 2 charger at home. Should you take it on an extended trip, it can charge from 5% to 80% in about 38 minutes at a DC fast-charging station.

Pocketbook Costs of Gallons vs Electrons 

Switching from a gas-powered vehicle to an EV doesn’t simply trade gas bills for higher electric bills. Looking at the Tiguan as a comparable gas-powered model, the EPA estimates that with 29 combined mpg, the Tiguan uses 3.4 gallons to travel 100 miles. As of this writing, the average price of regular gasoline in Olathe, KS, is $3.34 per gallon, which means that the Tiguan will cost you $11.36 to drive 100 miles. 

Olathe benefits from an electricity rate that is approximately 22% below the national average, with an average of 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. With a combined MPGe of 102 (based on an energy equivalent of a gallon of gasoline), the ID.4 is estimated to require 33 kWh to travel 100 miles. Thus, an ID.4 traveling 100 miles will cost you $4.62. That is about 41% the operating cost of the Tiguan and similar compact crossover models.

At the end of the day, only you can determine if an EV fits your needs. But if you can charge at home, having the “Best for Families” EV for commuting or daily family driving tasks makes a strong case. Visit Bud Brown Volkswagen to test drive an ID.4 and see if you’d like this smooth, quiet, efficient, and spacious EV as your next family car.