Car and driver recently they got their hands on the new Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition and subjected it to the real world highway range test at 120 km / h from the publication. They compared the results with the results of rival Tesla Model Y, but the tests were done at different temperatures.
The 2021 ID.4 they tested covered 190 miles in that test. The EPA estimate is 250 miles for combined city and highway driving. This is about 25 percent less, not bad, considering it is a test for highways only. The publication’s testers also measured 82 MPGe on the highway, slightly less than the EPA’s 89 MPGe highway estimate.
The ID.4 they used is the rear-wheel drive model with 201 horsepower, because it is currently the only one available in the United States. It has a battery of 82 kWh (77 kWh usable). A four-wheel drive version of the ID.4 with about 300 hp will be launched in the United States later in production.
The long-range Tesla Model Y Car and driver tested did 220 miles in the same test and averaged 94 MPGe. It has AWD and a battery of 80.5 kWh. However, it is not much of a win for Tesla because its EPA reach is 326 combined steering and 117 MPGe on the highway. This will cause some to question the EPA’s Model Y estimates. In addition, it is important to know that ID.4 was tested on a 40 degree day and Model Y on a 75 degree day. Car and Driver says it expects ID.4 to perform better in warmer climates.
More information about the 75 mph highway test from the publication:
“We performed all of our tests on a 75 mph verified GPS on the same 200-mile loop back and forth on Michigan’s I-94 highway. Our consistent procedure includes a methodical supply process, following a specific route, using cruise control and setting the climate control to the same temperature (72 degrees automatic). We also fixed odometer errors and did not test with strong wind or rain or extra passengers. In case we encounter a lot of traffic or unusual conditions, we abort the execution and try again later. “
“We follow the same procedure for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, except for these, we have additional steps that include verifying that the battery is fully charged before turning on and recording the kilowatt-hours (kWh) necessary to fill the battery after the loop of unit. “