MASSIVE 5000 MILE VW ID.4 ROAD TRIP! EPISODE 1 CHICAGO TO MEMPHIS

EV Channels Review

This episode chronicles the initial leg of a 5,000-mile road trip in a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition, from Chicago to Memphis. The journey was immediately fraught with challenges, primarily due to severe weather, including extreme winds and rain, which significantly impacted the vehicle's efficiency and range. The reviewer experienced considerable range anxiety, frequently finding themselves with very low battery levels and estimated miles remaining, necessitating slower speeds and drafting behind trucks. The car's native navigation system proved unreliable, often suggesting suboptimal charging stops. The reviewer highlights the critical role of third-party apps like 'A Better Routeplanner' (ABRP) for accurate trip planning, especially when factoring in real-time conditions and elevation changes, a feature lacking in the ID.4's built-in system. Charging sessions were a mix of experiences, with some Electrify America stations performing well, while others, including a ChargePoint unit, exhibited slower-than-expected speeds or malfunctions. The episode concludes with the reviewer stranded due to a charger malfunction, necessitating a pause in the trip and a return in a few days to continue the journey, underscoring the unpredictable nature of long-distance EV travel, especially in adverse conditions.