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

I wonder when US versions will get it And I also wonder if it's just for those first few.

I will be interested to see how efficient this car is. I suspect the heat pump was sacrificed in the US to keep the cost down. I suppose they feel buyers here aren’t that interested in efficiency, just the car’s range.
A heat pump would be a very important feature for me.

For an explanation of why a heat pump is an advantage, watch this video. I didn't grasp the issue until I watched it.


My current EV, like most EVs of the last few years, uses resistive heating. Getting a heat pump in the new car would help the new one feel like an upgrade.

The Prius Prime has a heat pump and so will the Nissan Ariya. I am sure that other evs must have them, but I don’t know for certain which ones. It is typically used where the climate requires a lot of cabin heating, which eats up battery capacity quickly.

My last RWD VW ('67 Beetle) didn't have a heat pump either. I'll keep a nice lap blanket for my passengers if need be.

Heat pump is a necessity when going on a ski trip in Colorado. Not unusual to get stuck on the freeway for hours in traffic. Although only 75 miles each way for me, the range without a heat pump is probably not enough for a day trip skiing. At least make it an option, like a cold weather package with some of the other features most of the country could care less about like heated side mirrors and heated steering wheel.

oldrover said:

According to this tweet from Volkswagen, we won't get a heat pump in the US.


Volkswagen USA
@VW
Sep 23
Replying to
@Kupula99
Hi M, the AWD version of our ID.4 will have the same size battery as the RWD version, and there wouldn't be an increased range. Also, a heat pump is not included in US-spec models, but I recommend working with your local VW dealer to discuss possible aftermarket options. -KO

Click to expand...

I wonder what the cost is, or is even possible , to add aftermarket heat pump as mentioned by the VW dealer?

oldrover said:

According to this tweet from Volkswagen, we won't get a heat pump in the US.

(Sorry about repost. I was trying to edit on the phone. Didn't work out well).

Volkswagen USA
@VW
Sep 23
Replying to
@Kupula99
Hi M, the AWD version of our ID.4 will have the same size battery as the RWD version, and there wouldn't be an increased range. Also, a heat pump is not included in US-spec models, but I recommend working with your local VW dealer to discuss possible aftermarket options. -KO

Click to expand...

I wonder what the cost is, or is iteven possible , to add aftermarket heat pump as mentioned by the VW dealer?

The German brochure mention R744 refrigerant in the heat pump. Anyone know if that might be a restriction in the US? Either an approved use by EPA or availability of service centers?

R744 refrigerant is CO2, used in lots of cooling systems since the 1920's. Biggest drawback is the high pressures that it needs to operate efficiently. From what I could find, it does have a lower boiling point than CFC refrigerants, which should mean it will work well as a heat pump for the ID.4 in colder climates.

I wish they’d offer it as an option even. perhaps we can lobby vw to at least do that?

scdald21 said:

I wonder what the cost is, or is even possible , to add aftermarket heat pump as mentioned by the VW dealer?

Click to expand...

That is VW's standard answer now for every missing feature, I doubt it is a viable upgrade (VW or 3rd party), lots of changes to the refrigerant lines, plus controls.

I suspect we might get the heat pump in later model years, especially if as rumored, Tesla offerers it in M3 / MY. It makes a big difference in range, especially if you are close to the limit, possibly 15% heating range hit (with hp) as compared to up to 30% range hit without.

Some Chevy Bolt drivers run winter with no cabin heat (possibly seat heat) and a "lap blanket". That is a line crossed where I sell the BEV.

I’d encourage everyone to request a heat pump as an option via their dealer and VW (via social media and/or [email protected]). If there hear from enough people, it could make a difference.

super said:

I’d encourage everyone to request a heat pump as an option via their dealer and VW (via social media and/or [email protected]). If there hear from enough people, it could make a difference.

Click to expand...

First time I’ve seen that email - what entity does that represent?

Vwvkk said:

First time I’ve seen that email - what entity does that represent?

Click to expand...

It's VW's electric vehicle division, check out the newsletter posted by @perpetual_range, post #18
There is a video to download too

emtonsti said:

It's VW's electric vehicle division, check out the newsletter posted by @perpetual_range, post #18

DEALER MARKUP?

Has anyone heard about dealer markup to the MSRP? Ford dealers have been marking up Mach-e up to 5k. I called my VW dealer and he has no comment. I’m not paying 50k for my 1st Edition even though I love it. I‘ll wait til next year, but I hope I don’t have to!

www.vwidtalk.com

There is a video to download too

Click to expand...

Excellent resource, thanks

I had an email exchange with e-mobilty. Key Excerpts below:

e-mobility: In our testing we haven’t seen enough benefit from the heat pump to include it (yet) we will continue to test this option especially as software matures to utilize the full potential of such hardware, and eventual local production of ID. 4. We would have included the heat pump if we saw enough benefit - we are absolutely committed to the customer experience with the ID. 4 hence why we are continuing to optimize range, and have included 3 years of DC fast charging at no-cost, to give some solace to anyone with range anxiety.

My response: given its standard in Europe and Canada, I have to say I’m puzzled why it would be a benefit there and not in the northern parts of the US.

e-mobility: We made the decision in those markets prior to having any test results, so if it was a large benefit we wouldn’t miss the boat for markets like Canada and Norway where they need it most.

We've seen ID.4's in the "wilds" of Tennessee and California. We'll see how it goes.

Drew18 and I are in WA, a ZEV state, so we are likely to take delivery in our midwinter.