The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was originally set to reach zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) states by the end of 2020 with a full launch across the U.S. planned for early 2021. However, new reports are suggesting a change in that timeline.
Automotive News reports that the original timeline has been adjusted due to fines VW racked up for failing to hit its carbon dioxide reduction target for its new-car fleet in Europe. In order to lower the fines towards the end of the year, VW will shift its focus to selling the ID.4 and ID.3 hatchback in the Old Continent before it begins production in the States.
In addition, a VW spokesman told Automotive News that the Germany-made ID.4 is now slated to start deliveries state wide in the U.S. from March 2021 instead of being sold in ZEV states first: ”We are executing our plan. We will still have a few hundred vehicles for customer events and drive programs early next year, with the 50-state retail launch starting in March, timed to the spring selling season. We want this launch to have the biggest impact possible with a steady cadence once ID.4 starts to arrive at dealerships.”
The first ID.4 units that will arrive in the U.S. will be produced in Zwickau, Germany. Volkswagen is now expected to begin producing the electric crossover for the U.S. market at its Chattanooga, TN assembly plant by 2022.