How to Charge an Electric Car: VW ID.4 Charging Guide

A sleek design, innovative tech features, and an excellent price point make the Volkswagen ID.4 a popular electric SUV option. However, knowing how to charge an electric car is essential if you purchase this vehicle. 

Understanding the different charging options for this electric SUV will help you maximize its efficiency and battery life. Keep reading to learn how to charge the VW ID.4 available at Eich VW!

Charging Basics for the Volkswagen ID.4

With the entry-level Volkswagen ID.4, you’ll get a 62-kWH battery, allowing your car to travel up to 206 miles when fully charged. Upgrade to the trim above this for an 82-kWh battery with a range of about 291 miles.

If you’re wondering how to charge a VW ID.4, you should know that it has a few different charging options – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, also known as “DC Fast Charging.” Level 1 is the most basic charging option, while Level 3 is the fastest way to charge your battery.

Level 1 Charging: Using a Standard Outlet

Level 1 VW ID.4 Charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, so charging your SUV from almost anywhere is easy. 

How to Charge: Step-by-Step

1. Find the Charging Port: Find the charging port on the rear passenger side and open the charging door.
2. Prepare Charger: Unpack the Level 1 charging cable and check that a standard 120V outlet is available and in good condition.
3. Plug In: Connect the charger to the outlet, then insert it into the vehicle’s charging port until it clicks.
4. Confirm Charging: Check for the charging indicator light near the port or dashboard. Verify the charging status on the instrument panel.
5. Understand Charging Time: Level 1 charging adds 3-5 miles of range per hour, with a full charge potentially taking over 50 hours.
6. End Charging: Unplug the charger from the vehicle and store the cable, and close the charging port.

Level 1 Charging is highly convenient – you won’t have to worry about additional installation to charge your battery. However, this charging option is quite slow – you’ll only be able to regain around 3 miles per hour. As a result, it will be challenging to reach total battery capacity with this method.

Level 2 Charging: The Preferred Home Charging Option

Level 2 VW ID.4 Charging is a faster charging option that uses a 240-volt wall box. With this option, you can quickly charge your entire battery overnight. This option dramatically reduces charging time compared to Level 1 Charging.

Installing a Level 2 Charger at Home

1. Choose a Charger: Select a compatible Level 2 charger for your vehicle.
2. Check Electrical Capacity: Make sure your home’s electrical system supports a 240V outlet with a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit. If you’re uncertain, consult an electrician.
3. Hire a Licensed Electrician: A licensed electrician is required to install the 240V outlet and any necessary wiring.
4. Test the Charger: After installation, test the charger to make sure it’s functioning properly.

Use apps like PlugShare or the VW ID.4’s navigation system to locate nearby stations. Don’t forget to check the station’s availability and any associated fees before arriving. While most stations provide charging cables, bring your own, just in case. 

DC Fast Charging: On-the-Go Power

Level 3 Charging, or DC Fast Charging, is the fastest option available for the VW ID.4 charging – you’ll get your battery from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes.

Fast charging stations have become more popular in recent years. While there were only 29,000 fast charging stations in the US in 2020, this has increased to over 61,000 in 2024.

How to Use DC Fast Chargers

1. Locate a Charger: Use apps like Electrify America or your VW ID.4’s navigation system to find a nearby DC fast charger.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure the station supports CCS (Combined Charging System), which is compatible with the VW ID.4.
3. Prepare to Charge: Park your vehicle with the charging port aligned to the charger. Open the charging port on the rear passenger side.
4. Connect the Charger: Take the charger handle, align it with the port, and plug it in securely.
5. Start Charging: Follow the station’s prompts to start charging, usually via a card swipe, app, or tapping your phone. Monitor charging progress on the station screen or your vehicle’s display.
6. End Charging: Once the battery reaches the desired charge level, stop the session via the station or app. Unplug the charger and close the charging port.

When to Use Fast Charging

Fast charging is best for long road trips. Since you’ll be able to charge almost your entire battery in under 30 minutes, you can take care of quick top-ups during the day, saving you ample time on the road.

Costs and Availability

Fast charging your VW ID.4 typically costs between $0.30 and $0.50 per kWh, depending on the provider and location, translating to around $10 to $20 for an 80% charge.

Some networks, like Electrify America, offer subscription plans that lower per-session costs. To find available stations, use apps like PlugShare or the VW ID.4’s built-in navigation, which shows real-time availability, pricing, and station details.

Planning Your Charging Routine

Optimize your VW ID.4 charging routine by assessing your daily driving needs to determine how often you need to charge, usually keeping the battery between 20% and 80% for daily use. Setting up a regular charging schedule, ideally overnight, is usually the best option.

Using the Volkswagen We Connect ID App, you can schedule charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs. For battery health, avoid frequent deep discharges or charging to 100% unless necessary for long trips, as this can help prolong your battery’s lifespan.

Charging on Long Trips

The best way to plan a long road trip in an electric vehicle is to find charging stations along your route and plan your journey based on where those stations are located. Download the Electrify America app, PlugShare, or ChargePoint to find chargers around the United States. 

Apple Maps and Google Maps also have features to help you integrate charging stops along your route. Inside Google Maps, just select “Electric vehicle settings” – you’ll have the option to choose the compatible plugs for your electric vehicle. 

Apple Maps can pair directly with your vehicle’s app so that you can be directed to a charging station en route to your destination. As long as the charging station participates, the app can also tell you how many stations are available. 

When you stop to charge your EV, follow the golden rule and be considerate. Never unplug another vehicle that is charging, and be sure to move your vehicle once charging is complete. Often, other people will be waiting to use a charging station, so you’ll want to make way for the next person as soon as possible. 

Monitoring and Maintaining Your Battery

Using your ID. 4’s infotainment system and the We Connect ID app, you can monitor its battery life and health. From the app on your phone, it’s easy to check the battery level and remaining range and even find charging stations nearby.

Remember that keeping your vehicle’s maintenance up-to-date will improve its safety, reliability, fuel efficiency, and longevity. A professional should inspect the battery every six months for best results.

It’s also important to avoid overcharging your car battery to prevent degradation. Only charge the battery to 100% for long trips, try to recharge before the battery drops below 20% to minimize stress on the battery, and don’t charge your car every day (if possible).

Conclusion

Making the most of your battery life starts with understanding how to charge an electric car, and knowing the best battery practices for your ID.4. Whether it’s the convenience of home charging, the practicality of public charging, or the speed of DC fast charging, this vehicle has charging options for every lifestyle.

We’re here to help you maximize your battery life – contact Eich VW in St. Cloud, MN, to learn more about charging options or experience the incredible battery life of the ID.4 for yourself.