Volkswagen Spending $20M on 50-State EV Dealer Fitness

Two electric motors, 295 horsepower, estimated 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds for the AWD Pro model, means ID.4 is competitive.

Volkswagen of America today said dealers have added 23,490 kW of charging capacity, trained more than 1,260 EV service technicians, and implemented dedicated EV Specialists to create “e-mobility centric consumer experiences across the country.” Volkswagen is also preparing its Chattanooga, TN facilities for the production of the electric ID.4 during 2022. (Volkswagen ID.4 – Most Affordable AWD Electric Vehicle in US?; Future Fuel – VW Group Expands Investments in Batteries)

VW also has begun an “EV Technician Retention Program” by increasing training, motivating skilled technicians, and adding new talent to address the transition to EVs. This allows Volkswagen and participating dealers to reward technicians with a retention bonus of $2,000 per year, “empowering them to gain new individual certifications to enhance their skills and build up expertise for the ID.4 and all coming electric Volkswagens.”

The ID.4 is among the fastest-selling vehicles in VWoA’s product line. It claims more than 15,000 cars sold and more than 40,000 ID.4 gross reservations since its introduction in March 2021. More than 85% of all ID.4 buyers have enrolled for 3 years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC Fast Chargers across the country1. Drivers have already charged more than 22 million miles for their ID.4s at Electrify America stations.

“It’s the consumer who will lead America’s electric vehicle revolution,” said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “And it’s our dealership partners who bring their communities into electric vehicles, providing unmatched service and expertise. We’re dedicated to fully support them in this journey. With nine out of ten Volkswagen ID.4 buyers identifying as first-time EV buyers, I’ve never been more confident that the electric future is driven by Volkswagen.”

Inevitable VW Footnote

 1 The 3 years of unlimited charging on MY21 ID.4 vehicles begins upon vehicle purchase. Non-transferable. Not available for commercial use, such as ridesharing. Requires Electrify America account, app, enrollment in ID.4 Charging Plan, acceptance of Plan Disclosure, and $10 deposit to pre-fund Idle Fees. User is responsible for Idle Fees, which apply beginning 10 minutes after charge session stops or vehicle reaches full charge. Unused Idle Fee deposit will be refunded when account is closed. In the event of suspected fraud or abuse or other unforeseen events, Volkswagen of America may discontinue or modify the offer in its sole discretion. Frequent and consecutive charging can permanently decrease battery capacity, which may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranty.