The Volkswagen ID.4 Mobile Drone Response Vehicle will make its debut at the SEMA Show on November 1. This car is planned to be used for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
This electric crossover is equipped with heavy-duty suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tires. This additional capability allows it to carry relatively heavy loads and access remote areas.
The vehicle also features a Thule roof rack and retractable side awning. This model also comes with a portable power plant as well as a dedicated storage unit that houses drones and field equipment.
The Tennessee Valley Authority targets a fleet of fully electric vehicles by 2030 and the ID.4 will be used in tests over the course of a year. The Tennessee Valley Authority will replace its fleet with approximately 400 light-duty EVs and 800 medium-duty EVs, with 300 charging stations at TVA facilities.
Volkswagen of America Senior Vice President of Marketing & Product Strategy, Hein Schafer, said “TVA has a long history of innovation, and we are delighted to be collaborating with them on their transition to a fully electrified fleet. This effort is leading by example, and with the help of our ID.4 vehicles, showing the industry just how worthy EVs are in fleet applications.”
To celebrate the partnership, Volkswagen revealed a second ID.4 that has been equipped with TVA graphics, a Thule Canyon Roof Basket, and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in “tough tread tires.” The company didn’t say much about this particular model, but noted that it was created to “increase the visibility of the test fleet program.”
The Volkswagen ID.4 has a range of 520 km on the WLTP test protocol at full load. Recharging the ID.4 via AC with a Type 2 connection can reach up to 11 kW, while DC fast charging via a CCS2 connection allows a maximum speed of 125 kW.
The Volkswagen ID.4 packs a 77 kWh (82 kWh gross) lithium-ion battery that powers an electric motor for the rear wheels, producing 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed. of 160 km/h.
Volkswagen starts production of ID.4 electric SUV in the US at its facility in Chattanooga
