Here’s the latest news on the fleet sustainability scene.
Volkswagen Launches First U.S. EV, The ID.4
Last month it was announced, the Volkswagen brand no longer intends to invest in development of new combustion engines. With Volkswagen’s new strategy, they intend to focus on introducing new lines of electric vehicles that compete with not only other EVs, but with all vehicles in their segment. Volkswagen just announced it’s first foray into U.S. EV production with the ID.4. The battery electric vehicle has an EPA tested range of 260 miles (418 km). As part of its mission to reduce 30% of carbon emissions by 2025, they wanted to produce a vehicle that was “reliable, smart and affordable.”
Last November, Volkswagen broke ground on an $800 million manufacturing facility at their plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. Starting in 2022, it plans on assembling the ID.4 SUV and other EVs for the U.S. in that facility. This will create about 1,000 jobs in Tennessee and other states and includes a 198,000–square-foot plant facility for the assembly of Georgia-built battery packs.
The ID.4 is the first SUV by Volkswagen based on its modular electric drive kit. The vehicle is making waves across the globe, as it was just named World Car of the Year 2021.
Washington Becomes First State To Ban Sales Of Gasoline Vehicles
The Clean Cars 2030 bill that passed Washington’s state legislature this week puts forth the first deadline, across the U.S., to cease the sales of gasoline-powered vehicles. This move has surpassed California, usually a bellwether for auto legislation, in the earliest ban of these vehicles. Note: The legislation applies to passenger and light-duty vehicles, model year 2030 and later. Read more on the Clean Cars 20230 Bill.
Get To Know The Polestar 2
For those looking for an immersive EV experience, check out the Polestar site. It features an overview of the new Polestar 2 five-door, all-electric fastback. With a large screen display, Google apps embedded plus predictive and reactive safety features — it’s one to consider when adding EVs to your selector. Visit Polestar.
For more information, read my recent blog post Automakers Continue to Invest in Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology. If you have questions about environmental sustainability or electric vehicles, reach out to a member of your Wheels account team.