In a remarkable feat, accomplished adventure driver Rainer Zietlow set a new world record by driving a Volkswagen ID.4 across Canada with a mere 18 recharges. The journey, spanning 4,432 miles (7,133 km), took seven days, with Zietlow averaging an impressive 246 miles (396 km) between charges, earning him the Guinness World Record for the fewest charges during a cross-country drive in Canada.
The expedition commenced on July 25, as Zietlow embarked from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on the east coast of Canada. After traversing the vast Canadian landscape, he concluded his trip in Victoria, British Columbia, on the west coast, reaching the 0 KM marker of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Canada’s significance in this achievement is noteworthy, considering its vast geographical expanse as the second-largest country globally. As electric vehicle (EV) consideration faces challenges due to rising vehicle prices and a lagging charging infrastructure compared to its American counterparts, this feat serves as an inspiring example of EV capabilities in long-distance journeys.
Volkswagen praised the ID.4 SUV as the ideal companion for Zietlow’s adventure, offering the comfort, space, and impressive range required to conquer the extensive distance between the country’s eastern and western coasts.
Rainer Zietlow, a native of Germany, has been associated with Volkswagen since 2005, embarking on remarkable driving endeavors across 110 countries and earning multiple Guinness World Records using the brand’s vehicles. In 2021, he achieved another milestone by driving 35,770 miles (57,566 km) continuously through all 48 continental American states in an electric vehicle, visiting over 628 VW dealerships during his journey.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Zietlow has already set his sights on a new adventure: driving from Victoria back to St. John’s, visiting all 145 of Volkswagen’s dealerships in Canada en route. This ongoing journey serves as a testament to the potential and viability of electric vehicles in long-haul trips, further promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.
