[Kitt]

I understand that, unlike the Canadian model, the US version of the ID4 will not come with a heat pump. It's not even available as an option for the 1st and Pro. That seems like a big omission, especially since the direct competitors like the hyper-efficient Tesla, Hyundai and Kona EVs come standard with a heat pump at a lower list price.

Does anyone have more information if they're perhaps considering reversing their decision and bundle it as standard or last least have the heat pump as an option in the future. (I honestly don't understand why the specs need to be different per country. Why not just ship the best and most efficient configuration to all countries? Simplifying production might even be cheaper in the end)

 

[TT97]

Probably (initially) no heat pump in the U.S.

I found one of the articles that reported no heat pump in the U.S. (it was not on our list of features, I would love to be wrong on this one) Closer look at VW’s new ID.4 electric SUV: Available from the start on Canadian models (but not initially in the US) is a heat pump to help get the car...

www.vwidtalk.com

 

[NBCGLX]

The only Tesla you can get a heat pump in at the moment is the Model Y (which is considerably more expensive than the ID.4). The Model 3 is starting production now with a heat pump as standard, but those cars aren’t “out in the wild” yet and until now have only had resistive heating. Not sure about the Kona or Soul.

I can tell you with my experience with an i3 BEV with the heat pump, I’m not sure it actually made that much of a difference in cold weather range or comfort. I think the ID.4’s heated windshield might lead to greater energy savings more than a heat pump would.

 

[Kitt]

The Model 3 is starting production now with a heat pump as standard, but those cars aren’t “out in the wild” yet

They will be soon, I've literally see truck loads of new black trim Model 3s (with heat pumps) coming out of the Fremont factory for over a week now.

I can tell you with my experience with an i3 BEV with the heat pump, I’m not sure it actually made that much of a difference in cold weather range or comfort. I think the ID.4’s heated windshield might lead to greater energy savings more than a heat pump would.

I've owned the i3 BEV as well. I honestly can't say if it made a huge difference, the range was too limited to drive to colder areas 😂 And that's the exact thing that the ID4 enables: a weekend trip to Tahoe, a roadtrip to Canada, etc. And that's when the extra miles would be welcome.

Is the front shield heated or double insulated? I don't think I've read about that.

 

[Reeler]

Since driving a no heat pump LEAF 10 years ago in Denver winters, I have changed my habits. I leave my jacket on, put on the seat heater and steering wheel heater and that is far more energy efficient than heating thin air at altitude.

I have had some traffic jams on ski trips that last hours at high altitude. Running the heat to clear condensation on the inside of the windshield was the biggest problem. Maybe the windshield heater will help in that regard.

Just adjust away from having a toasty cabin and you will be fine.

 

[Kitt]

I leave my jacket on, put on the seat heater and steering wheel heater and that is far more energy efficient than heating thin air at altitude.

That's hardcore Not sure if I'm ready for that.

 

[Reeler]

I had a RAV4 EV that ran out of juice at the continental divide a few hundred yards from making it to the downhill side in the Eisenhower Tunnel. Nightmare situation, but I felt I had plenty of juice and turned on the heat for the last 10 miles with 30 miles of range showing on the guess-o-meter. It was below zero with snow in the middle of the night and the battery just froze up.

 

[scdald21]

I read today that the electric Volvo XC40 for US will have a heat pump as a $350 option.

Sounds like they can throw one on if you want it. Too bad VW can't do the same. (?????)

 

[scdald21]

Here is the XC40 info:

 

[ixlr08]

Is the front shield heated or double insulated? I don't think I've read about that.

The windshield is heated on the AWD version. I haven't seen it as an option on the RWD version.

 

[egsell]

By heated windshield are we talking thin resistive wire or just plain old defrost blower?

 

[salant76]

This is speculation but I would think wire in the windshield. My eGolf has a heated windshield.

Not sure how that isn’t standard on the ID.4. But it may be cost cutting.

 

[TT97]

I read today that the electric Volvo XC40 for US will have a heat pump as a $350 option.

Sounds like they can throw one on if you want it. Too bad VW can't do the same. (?????)

The XC40 is a smaller SUV with 208 mile range and a $55k starting price - it should have the heat pump standard.

 

[VidMan]

I understand that, unlike the Canadian model, the US version of the ID4 will not come with a heat pump. It's not even available as an option for the 1st and Pro. That seems like a big omission, especially since the direct competitors like the hyper-efficient Tesla, Hyundai and Kona EVs come standard with a heat pump at a lower list price.

Does anyone have more information if they're perhaps considering reversing their decision and bundle it as standard or last least have the heat pump as an option in the future. (I honestly don't understand why the specs need to be different per country. Why not just ship the best and most efficient configuration to all countries? Simplifying production might even be cheaper in the end)

You can refer to this thread about it with responses from the head of VW US e-mobility: Probably (initially) no heat pump in the U.S.

Long story short, they didn't deem a heat pump to be "mature enough" for the US market. Same with the heads up display, surround camera system, 3D taillights etc. It's pretty much a BS excuse for cost cutting until they have local production up and running in Chattanooga.

 

[super]

I understand that, unlike the Canadian model, the US version of the ID4 will not come with a heat pump. It's not even available as an option for the 1st and Pro. That seems like a big omission, especially since the direct competitors like the hyper-efficient Tesla, Hyundai and Kona EVs come standard with a heat pump at a lower list price.

Does anyone have more information if they're perhaps considering reversing their decision and bundle it as standard or last least have the heat pump as an option in the future. (I honestly don't understand why the specs need to be different per country. Why not just ship the best and most efficient configuration to all countries? Simplifying production might even be cheaper in the end)

I, and others, spoke with Dustin Krause (VW of America’s Director of e-mobility) and he was definitive that the heat pump would not be an option in the US 2021 model. However, I encourage people to continue reaching out to VW and its dealers. Perhaps if they hear it from enough people, they’ll change course.

[email protected]
[email protected]

 

[Bobid.4]

I understand that, unlike the Canadian model, the US version of the ID4 will not come with a heat pump. It's not even available as an option for the 1st and Pro. That seems like a big omission, especially since the direct competitors like the hyper-efficient Tesla, Hyundai and Kona EVs come standard with a heat pump at a lower list price.

Does anyone have more information if they're perhaps considering reversing their decision and bundle it as standard or last least have the heat pump as an option in the future. (I honestly don't understand why the specs need to be different per country. Why not just ship the best and most efficient configuration to all countries? Simplifying production might even be cheaper in the end)

I, and others, spoke with Dustin Krause (VW of America’s Director of e-mobility) and he was definitive that the heat pump would not be an option in the US 2021 model. However, I encourage people to continue reaching out to VW and its dealers. Perhaps if they hear it from enough people, they’ll change course.

[email protected]
[email protected]

Agree
Best method to obtain is to put pressure on the Dealers to pressure VW to include at least on the AWD as that will be the model most sold in the cold northern climates. If VW sees a large push back they may include. If cold cabin or big drain on battery word gets out will dramatically affect sales.

 

[ixlr08]

No heat pump in the US is frustrating and makes no sense. Especially since the only thing that need to add is a few valves to reverse the flow direction of the refrigerant and the software to control it. It is not like they need to add another compressor. IF Canada gets it, there is no reason we can't.

 

[FASTGOLFR32]

Keep reaching out to Dustin. The ID series batteries are supposed to have liquid thermal management, the heat pump is not needed as much as you would think. The key is keeping the battery pack at the right temperature when it is cold. The cabin temperature does not warm the battery pack. Both of my e-Golf's have had the heat pump. It is noisy in the winter until warmed up and it never did anything for the batteries but it sure was nice to warm up the cabin prior to leaving for work every morning. I wish I could find more about the liquid thermal thermal battery pack management as it seems to be more for cooling for fast charging. IF it can be heated as well with the system without a heat pump then we should be okay,

 

[VidMan]

Keep reaching out to Dustin. The ID series batteries are supposed to have liquid thermal management, the heat pump is not needed as much as you would think. The key is keeping the battery pack at the right temperature when it is cold. The cabin temperature does not warm the battery pack. Both of my e-Golf's have had the heat pump. It is noisy in the winter until warmed up and it never did anything for the batteries but it sure was nice to warm up the cabin prior to leaving for work every morning. I wish I could find more about the liquid thermal thermal battery pack management as it seems to be more for cooling for fast charging. IF it can be heated as well with the system without a heat pump then we should be okay,

The thermal management of the battery is not a concern. That system is standardized and uses the AC compressor for cooling and at minimum a dedicated battery heater for heating. The heat pump mainly impacts the cabin heating since it uses up to 3x less power than a standard resistance heater for the same heat output. It's actually interesting comparing to the e-Golf since VW has improved by adding a liquid cooling battery thermal management system, but gone backwards by removing the cabin heat pump system!

 

[Drew18]

I can understand the heat pump need. Luckily for me I’m a freak and there could be 8 feet of snow and I’ll be in shorts.