SEMA 2022: Modified Volkswagen ID.4 EVs break cover
Volkswagen shows how its factory accessories will adapt for the electric age under the ID. rangeVolkswagen has used the 2022 SEMA show in Las Vegas to unveil a trio of modified Volkswagen ID.4 electric cars.
Of the three, the most striking is the brightly-coloured rally-prepped version that recently completed the 2300km-long Rebelle Rally that runs a desert course from Nevada to California.
Perhaps more relevant to the show was a rugged version of the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4 equipped for the Tennessee Valley Authority that manages the power grid for the state.
Dubbed the Volkswagen ID.4 EV Drone Command Concept, the show car is based on an AWD Pro S model and has been developed to be a ‘Mobile Drone Response Vehicle’.
As part of the upgrades, there's a boot that packages a drone for surveying storm damage or emergency situations, plus a platform roof rack with retractable side awnings.
The 18-inch wheels, meanwhile, shun energy-saving tyres for all-terrain rubber.
The modified ID.4 also features a heavy-duty suspension to cope with the extra equipment, like the emergency lighting, recovery boards and fire extinguisher.
Other Volkswagen accessories on the car include mud flaps, a proper spare wheel and rubber floor liners.
The Tennessee Valley Authority will now test the ID.4 Drone Command Concept, along with other Volkswagen ID.4 EVs, as part of a 12-month trial that will analyse its capabilities.
The electric utility provider has already declared that 100 per cent of the sedans and SUVs on its fleet will be all-electric by 2030.
The third Volkswagen ID.4 accessories concept is more of a shop window for the dealer-fit goodies developed for the all-electric mid-size SUV, which will become Volkswagen’s first EV in Australia when it finally launches next year.
The show car in question is fitted with a Thule Canyon Basket roof rack, tow-hook-mounted bike rack, all-terrain tyres and mud flaps, while interior extras include seat covers, rubber mats and an on-board spare wheel.
Other cars on the Volkswagen SEMA stand this year include a modified US-spec Atlas and Taos, as well as two concepts based on the Golf GTI hatch and Jetta GLI sedan.
The Golf GTI concept features a body kit sourced from Oettinger, large 20-inch gloss black rims, huge eight-piston callipers and larger discs, lowered coil-over suspension and a body-coloured roof box.
More hot Golfs on the stand include a 2004 Golf R32 that helps celebrate 20 years of the R brand.
There’ll also be a special appearance of the 1993 Volkswagen Rallye Golf 3 A59 Prototype that was developed as part of a feasibility study for the WRC.
Related: Volkswagen ID.4 2023: Walkround Video
Related: Volkswagen ID.4 may be cheaper than expected
Related: Volkswagen Australia to sell more EVs than Tesla by 2027
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
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