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VW id.4: How to choose EV Home Chargers?

by Mike Becker | Reviewed by David Perez | Updated: Nov 15, 2023

VW 2023 models no longer come with chargers, and dealers can offer a portable VW-branded EVSE 120v/240v (full analogue of Webasto Go) with a maximum Level-2 power of 7.7kW. 

It turns out that the charger with the VW logo has a NEMA 14-50 connector that allows other chargers to have a higher power of 9.6kW as opposed to 7.7kW. In this review, we’ve looked at the top-rated models of VW chargers and highlighted the models we’ve tested. 

Best choice
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A hardwired connection that is perfect for those who want to be prepared for an EV future with more power. Professional Installation is required. The app and stable wifi make it easy to keep track of your charging.
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Most home EVs have a 1.6–7.7kW charging rate, which means it would take about 8–30 hours to fully charge from zero, but there are some with faster speeds such as the 22kW Tesla Destination Charger.

Best 240V hardwired charger

A hard-wired charger can be pricey to install, but it doesn’t require any upkeep. Once installed, you never have to worry about forgetting to unplug your charger—it’s always on and ready for use.

Plus, because the charging station is hardwired into your electrical system (upgrading not required), you can charge with a higher wattage Level 2 charger (up to 12 kW).

Best 240V portable charger

If you want to charge your electric car at home, but don’t really have the resources for a hardwired charger or can’t find an available plug in your garage or driveway, consider getting a charging station. EV Adept customers often choose these models:

The best part is that these stations are comparatively less expensive than installing wiring and they’re easy to unplug when not needed. With this type of system, there’s also no need to worry about overloading your household electrical system because it has built-in circuit breakers.

Which Volkswagen ID.4 charger do I need?

The VW ID. 4 comes with an L1 charging cable, but for faster charging times, you have the option to upgrade to an L2 wallbox. With a Level 2 EV charger, you can fully charge the VW ID. 4 in approximately 7.5 hours.

If you are looking for a home сharger for your VW ID.4, we recommend upgrading to a higher-amperage charger like the 40 amp or 48 amp models. This will allow you to charge your vehicle much more quickly and efficiently.

How to choose EV home сhargers for  any J1772 car?

Home EV chargers will work with any electric car that carries the J1772 standard. The only exception would be Teslas, which come with their own specific charging equipment built in.

Here are three steps to follow when choosing your home charger:

Step 1: How fast do you need to charge?

The first thing to consider is how much power do you require from a home charger VW ID. 4. This determines the type of connector you can use, and ultimately affects your choices for a given amperage.

Charging your EV at a public station could take anywhere from 1–4 hours depending on where it’s located and what model car it’s used with. Charging from a 240-volt wall plug could take anywhere from 3–8 hours, depending on the car.

Most home EVs come with a 120-volt (Level 1) or 240-volt (Level 2) charger as standard equipment.

Level 1: VW ID. 4 and other 100% electric cars – Standard 120v charging cable comes with your EV, installed by the factory for overnight charging at home using a regular household outlet. This is the slowest way to charge and requires 12 hrs or more to fully recharge your EV’s battery pack from zero capacity. 

Level 2:  Volkswagen  ID. 4, Tesla Model S or any EV with a battery capacity of 5+ kWh – 240v charging cable comes with your EV, installed by the factory for overnight charging at home using a regular household outlet. This is the second slowest way to charge and requires 5 hrs or more to fully recharge your VW ID.4 from zero capacity.

Step 2: Cost and Installation

When it comes to choosing a home charger, cost is often the first thing that comes up. The good news here is that prices on home chargers have dropped significantly as EV popularity has grown. Also, installation costs for a home electric car charger should be around $500 – $1,500 total.

There’s also a difference in installation quality and safety depending on who does your work — we recommend that you do your research and go with a professional electrician for the job whenever possible.

Step 3: Where to install?

The location of your home charger is another very important consideration. Placing it outside will leave you vulnerable to the elements, so this might not be the best choice unless your Volkswagen  ID. 4 is protected by some kind of garage or shelter. If it is outside though, make sure you get a weatherproof charger. Ideally, do not use EV extension cords unnecessarily. And if you have to, do it temporarily.

If it is inside, think about where charging can fit into your daily routine and how access might impact other members of your household (such as small children) before installing an electric car charger. You’ll also need to consider the length of the charging cable that comes with your charger.

Step 4: Charging at home vs. public charging

Charging at home is definitely more convenient, but public chargers are becoming more and more common. The advantage of using a public charger is that they can often provide a lot more power than what you might get at home, which can be helpful for topping off your battery quickly. However, most public chargers are not free to use.

Step 5: Charging standard or fast?

Some EVs come with two types of charging options – standard or fast. Standard charging will work just fine for most people, but if you need to charge your car quickly, then fast charging is the way to go. However, fast charging is only an option for certain models of electric car.

Step 6: EV charger size and installation options

EV chargers come in a variety of sizes and setups — everything from portable units that you can take with you on road trips to ones that are permanently installed. Your home’s available space will definitely play a role here, so think about how much room your Volkswagen ID 4 EV charger will need before making a purchase.

Finally, it’s important to mention the level of installation required for any given EV charger. Some can be hardwired into existing power sources while others require wiring by an electrician. If you’re comfortable working with 120-240VAC and 15A maximum, you might be able to save some money by doing the installation yourself.

Step 7: The future of electric cars

As more and more people switch to electric cars, the need for reliable and easy-to-use home chargers will continue to grow. So whether you’re just starting your EV journey or you’re already a seasoned pro, make sure to keep these factors in mind when choosing a home charger for Volkswagen ID. 4.

How do home EV Chargers work?

EV chargers (also known as electric vehicle supply equipment, or EVSEs) create direct current (DC), which is used to store power in the battery pack of an electric car. They’re often located at your home or office and can be traced back to their grid-tied counterpart, the Level 2 charging station. They also can be used to charge your ID. 4, even if you’re not at home.

Where to buy a Level 2 EV charger?

The best place to buy a Level 2 EV charger would be through a certified Volkswagen dealer. They will have chargers that are specifically designed for your ID. 4 and will come with the necessary installation hardware. You can also find many third-party retailers selling chargers online, but be sure to do your research on the quality and compatibility of the product before making your purchase.

How much does it cost to install a home EV Charger?

EV charger installation costs can vary significantly, depending on the type of charger you choose, who does the installation, and any additional wiring that might be required. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 – $1,500 total. Make an appointment with one of our experts to talk about installation ID. 4 charger.

How long until the Volkswagen id4 electric car is fully charged

  EV Home Charger • 40 Amp EV Home Charger • 32 Amp EV Home Charger • 16 Amp
VW ID.4Pro Performance • 77 kWh 6 h 01 min 7 h 30 min 15 h 12 min
VW ID.4Pure Performance • 52 kWh 5 h 25 min 5 h 25 min 10 h 16 min
VW ID.4GTX • 77 kWh 6 h 01 min 7 h 30 min 15 h 12 min

A different amperage of the charging station or a different module of the electric car? The calculator will help you make calculations for them as well.

Comparison table – 240V hardwired charger

JuiceBox 40 Hardwired Smart EV Home Charging Station (40 Am...
OverviewA hardwired connection that is perfect for those who want to be prepared for an EV future with more power. Professional Installation is required. The app and stable wifi make it easy to keep track of your charging.
BrandJuiceBox
Amperage40
Cable length, ft25
Enclosure Materialn/a
OutdoorYes
Wall/StandWall
WaterproofYes
Weight21.2
Working temperaturen/a
Warranty3 years
CertificateUL & Energy Star

Comparison table – 240V portable charger

BESENERGY Level 2 Portable EV Charger NEMA 14-50 Plug, 32 A...Blink Charging Blink HQ 200 40 Amp, Level 2 Electric Vehicl...BougeRV Level 1-2 Portable EV Charger (120/240 Volt, 25ft C...
BrandBESENERGYBlink ChargingBougeRV
Amperage324016
Voltage240240120, 240
Cable length, ft212325
Level221, 2
OutdoorYesNo
SocketNEMA 14-50NEMA 14-50NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-20
WaterproofIP66No
Weight10.7319.348.18
Working temperature-13℉ - 131℉-22°F to 122°F
Warranty1 year1 year1 year
CertificateUL listing and Energy Star Certificationn/a

Electrify America

With the Electrify America Volkswagen ID.4 charging plan, you can recharge your car for free for the first 30 minutes of every session, for as long as you own the vehicle. This plan is available in all 50 states, and includes more than 470 charging stations. In addition, a year-long pass to Electrify America’s Pass+ membership program gives you access to discounted charging rates.

The VW ID.4 charging specs and guide give you an idea of what you can expect from this charging system. It comes with a 120-volt portable charger that delivers 10 amps, 12 amps, and 16-amps of power. These chargers are designed to charge a battery in less than one hour and charge a car at speeds of between two and five miles per hour. Although the Electrify America system includes a Level 2 charger, most Volkswagen ID.4 owners will not need that level of power.

Unlimited

The VW ID.4 is capable of rapid charging and slow charging at EV public charging stations. The charge rate depends on the charging unit and network, so make sure to check the charging specs and guide before you start recharging. The ID.4 also accepts charging from other public charging points via a tethered CCS connector. Read on for charging specs, guide and more! Also, find out which ports are compatible with your Volkswagen.

For charging your Unlimited Volkswagen ID.4, you should use a charge point that is approved for charging EVs. If your VW has an OLEV-approved charger, you may be eligible for PS300 in grant money. While this grant isn’t available for all vehicles, it is well worth applying for. Once you have your ID.4 installed, you’ll be able to use it at home and save money on gas!

When Can We Expect the 2024 VW ID.4 Release?

There is no official word yet on when the 2024 VW ID.4 will be released. However, new Volkswagen models are typically released in a predictable pattern. For example, the 2021 VW ID.4 made its debut in Q4 of 2020, followed by the 2022 and 2023 models1. Based on this trend, we can expect the 2024 model to be released around the same timeframe.

What Range Can We Expect for the 2024 VW ID.4?

While specifications for the 2024 VW ID.4 are still under wraps, the 2023 model can deliver an EPA-estimated 275 miles of range2. Expect the 2024 model to improve upon this impressive range. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the 2024 VW ID.4 release date.

What’s New About the 2024 VW ID.4’s Infotainment System?

The 2024 VW ID.4 is rumored to feature a brand new 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that will provide better readability and easier access compared to the outgoing model’s 12-inch system3. Expect the new system to function more smoothly and quickly as well.

Volkswagen is set to introduce new remote features and Plug & Charge capability to the ID.44. The bidirectional charging feature for the 77-kilowatt-hour battery will allow owners to power their home appliances through vehicle-to-home functionality only5.

Are There Any New Configurations for the 2024 VW ID.4?

The 2024 VW ID.4 is expected to be released in a variety of configurations, including some new ones. One of these new configurations may include an 86 kWh battery pack, providing a higher range than the outgoing model’s 77 kWh unit6. This could potentially offer a range of around 300 miles (U.S. EPA) / 350 miles (Germany WLTP) 7.

What is the Best Home Charging Option for Volkswagen ID.4 Owners?

Adding a Level 2 charger at home is the most practical option for most Volkswagen ID.4 owners8. These chargers typically require a 240-volt plug, which is the same as those used for large home appliances, or can be hard-wired into the home circuits for optimal convenience9.

What Types of Charging Are Available for the VW ID.4?

Depending on the charging station network and type of charge unit, the VW ID.4 can be charged slowly, quickly, or rapidly10. Slow charging usually requires a 3-pin-to-Type 2 cable, while fast charging requires a Type 2-to-Type 2 cable, and one of these cables usually comes with the vehicle.

Should You Charge Your VW ID.4 EV to 100% Capacity Every Night?

Charging your EV to 100% battery capacity every night is not advisable since charging cycles can cause battery degradation11. Most VW ID.4 EVs have a range of a few hundred miles on a single full charge, which should be sufficient for a few days unless you are driving long distances daily12.

Why Shouldn’t You Charge Your VW ID.4 EV to 100% Capacity?

There are two reasons why it is not recommended to charge an VW ID.4 EV to 100% capacity: charging performance and battery longevity. Charging rates slow down significantly past the 80% mark, so it is best to charge your EV up to 80% most of the time13. Furthermore, keeping the battery pack below 100% capacity will improve the long-term health of your vehicle’s battery14.

Is Charging Your VW ID.4 with a 3-Pin Plug Practical?

While it is possible to charge an electric car using a conventional 3-pin plug with an EVSE1 cable (also known as a granny cable) and domestic socket, this method can be painfully slow15. A domestic 2.4kW socket can take over 24 hours to fully charge your VW ID.4 EV battery, which may not be practical for most drivers.

Should You Charge Your VW ID.4 Electric Car Every Night?

In most cases, charging your ID.4 electric car every night is unnecessary and can shorten the lifespan of the car’s battery pack16. Instead, focus on maintaining a sufficient charge to meet your daily driving needs while preserving the health of your battery.

What is the Maximum Charging Power for the ID.4 Pure and Pure Performance?

At an AC charging station, the ID.4 Pure and Pure Performance can charge at a maximum power of 7.2 kW, taking about 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 0 to 100 percent17.

What Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) Update is Coming to the ID.4?

The ID.4 update will arrive in the form of Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), allowing owners to power their appliances from the car or the entire house in case of a blackout18. This innovative feature adds versatility to your electric vehicle and can be a valuable asset during power outages.

How Long Does It Take to Recharge the 2023 ID.4 EV with a Level 2 Charger?

Recharging the 2023 ID.4 EV completely with a Level 2 charger should take about 7.5 to 11.5 hours, with a charging rate of around 24 to 36 miles of range per hour. This charging speed offers a more practical and efficient option for Volkswagen ID.4 owners.

How to Maximize Your Volkswagen ID.4 Charging Experience

By understanding the various charging options and their limitations, you can optimize your Volkswagen ID.4 charging experience. Avoid using slow 3-pin plug chargers as a regular solution, and instead invest in a Level 2 charger for faster, more efficient charging. Keep in mind that charging your electric car every night might not be necessary and could impact your battery’s lifespan.

Can You Charge Your ID.4 Electric Vehicle with a Regular Outlet?

Yes, you can simply plug your VW ID.4 into a regular outlet, which should give you about 2 miles of range per hour spent on the charger19. However, this method is much slower than using dedicated EV charging solutions.

Can You Charge Your VW ID Vehicle Using Tesla Chargers?

While the Tesla Supercharger network is not yet open to Volkswagen ID vehicles, you can still charge your VW ID vehicle using Tesla destination chargers and home charging solutions in the meantime20. This will require a special adapter.

What Do You Need to Charge Your 2023 ID.4 EV at Home?

To charge your Model Year 2023 ID.4 EV at home, you will need to buy a wallbox charger or charging cable because it does not come with a Level 1 or Level 2 charging cable21.

How Can You Maintain Your ID.4’s Battery Health in the Long Run?

To keep the battery of your ID.4 or any electric car in good health in the long run, it is advisable not to charge it to 100% or let it go below 10%22. Maintaining it in the range of 80% to 20% will provide you with the most extended battery life.

What Connectors Can You Use to Charge Your Volkswagen ID.4?

You can charge your Volkswagen ID.4 at home, work, or a public charging point using a Type 2 connector. There is also a CCS connector available for rapid charging23.

What Free Charging Offers Come with the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4?

Like the 2022 Volkswagen ID.4, the 2023 model comes with three years of unlimited, free 30-minute fast charging sessions at Electrify America locations throughout the United States, with a 60-minute waiting period between charging sessions.

FAQ

The best electric сar home charger for VW ID.4 is a Level-2 charger, which can be installed by a professional or by you if you buy a powerful enough device with a simple and easy plug-in connection for an outlet. Mike Becker compared the top models in this review.

In the U.S. and Canada, you can charge from a Tesla Wall Connector or Tesla Destination at home using the NACS-to-J1772 adapter. There is only a prototype fast-charging adapter for Level-3.

The length of the charging cable for VW ID.4 is 20ft when considering portable EVSEs with the VW logo. The analogs for comparison are 25 feet. See the comparison table for an overview.

VW ID.4 charging will depend on the electricity prices in your area and the type of charger used. Generally, Level-2 chargers are not more expensive than Level-1 chargers, but they also provide faster charging times. On average, it costs about $0.15 per kWh to charge a Volkswagen EV. Make your calculation using this calculator.

The maximum amp output for VW ID.4 is 30A. Starting in 2023, there is no charger included with the car. So this is not the most powerful home charger compatible with VW EVs presented in this comparison review.

Starting in 2023, the chargers will not come with the cars. You can buy a charger from your dealer, but it’s not the most powerful, and we show you the top compatible devices in this real-world comparison.

The cost of an original Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle charger will vary depending on where you buy it, but they typically range from $400–$550. This charger has no smart features and is limited in power. That’s why most VW owners consider top-rated analogs, which we compare in the review.

The charging speed of VW ID.4 will depend on the type of EVSE used and the power output of your local charging station. The home EV charger with the VW logo takes 8 hours to charge to 80%, and the more powerful chargers in this review take 6 hours.

The range of VW ID.4 depends on several factors such as terrain, weather conditions, driving style, and battery size, but overall it is estimated that it may be able to travel around 250 miles (400 km) on a full charge. This range may be affected by the age and condition of the battery, so it is important to monitor its performance regularly. Calculate your own range here.

Yes, VW ID.4 has fast charging capabilities with up to 125 kW of power available when connected to a Level-3 charger. This enables you to reach full charge in just over an hour depending on your vehicle’s battery size and current state of charge.

The cost of installing a Level-2 charger for VW ID.4 will depend on the type of charger and installation site, but generally it is best to have it installed by a professional electrician. The cost will vary depending on the complexity of the setup, but typically it can range from $450–$1100.

No, installing an electric car charger in your home or office space should not void your VW ID.4 warranty as long as you use an approved and certified charger. Here you can see a comparison of certified EV compatible charging stations.

In North America VW ID.4 uses a CCS1 plug for DCFC charging and a J1772 plug for Level-2 or Level-1 charging. How much does a powerful home charger for VW cost? See what the experts say here.

For VW ID.4 you need a J1772 or CCS1 plug. You can find compatible public charging stations near you by using maps on websites such as Plugshare or by using apps like ChargePoint or EVgo. You can also use Tesla Destination chargers if you buy an adapter.

About Mike Becker Linked In
Mike is a seasoned engineer with 10+ years of experience in charging systems. He bought a Tesla Model S in 2014 and has been in love with EVs ever since. He runs a small EVSE installation business in Florida and blogs about what he loves.

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Reference

  1. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34284424/volkswagen-id-4-electric-suv-revealed/
  2. https://www.motortrend.com/news/volkswagen-id-4-range-mpge-ev/
  3. https://insideevs.com/news/512272/volkswagen-id4-2023-interior-update/
  4. https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1132896_vw-id-4-remote-features-plug-charge
  5. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volkswagen-launch-bidirectional-charging-id-family-2022
  6. https://www.carbuzz.com/news/2021/8/15/volkswagen-id4-gets-another-range-boost-for-2022
  7. https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1132961_vw-id-4-range-boosted-to-267-miles-for-2022
  8. https://www.vw.com/electric-concepts/charging/
  9. https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicle-charging-home
  10. https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/electric/electric-driving/charging
  11. https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-charge-an-electric-car/
  12. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
  13. https://www.cnbc.com/2021/04/23/electric-vehicle-charging-101.html
  14. https://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries
  15. https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/vw-id-4-charging-guide/
  16. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
  17. https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/press-releases/volkswagen-presents-id-4-gtx-6726
  18. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/volkswagen-launch-bidirectional-charging-id-family-2022
  19. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
  20. https://www.vw.com/electric-concepts/
  21. https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/vw-id-4-charging-guide/
  22. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml
  23. https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/charging-your-electric-vehicle
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