Volkswagen to test ID.4 EV performance in off-road race

A production version of VW’s ID.4 electric SUV has been modified to participate in a gruelling 1,800km off-road race.

A specially prepared Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV is currently racing in the National Off-Road Racing Association (NORRA) Mexican 1000 race that goes on between April 25 to April 29 in the Baja peninsula of Mexico. Driven by professional racer and Volkswagen brand ambassador Tanner Foust and managed by Tanner Foust Racing, the Rhys Millen Racing modified rear-wheel-drive ID.4 1st Edition model will run its stock powertrain and 82 kWh battery pack with modified off-road suspension and racing interior for the 1,800km competition. The aim is to show the capabilities and performance of an EV in an extreme environment. Volkswagen has a long history of off-road racing in Baja, as a Beetle-based Meyers Manx was the first winner of the inaugural NORRA Mexican 1000 in 1967. The modern version of the race features several classes of classic and contemporary off-road vehicles and motorcycles with this year’s route covering 1,836km in total. To charge the ID.4 in the wilds of Baja, the VW team will use a portable biofuel generator powering a 50kW portable fast charger. As the NORRA Mexico 1000 race will be run in loops due to COVID travel restrictions, the team will attempt to complete about 98 per cent of the stages in the loop event without the need for recharging. While the 201bhp electric motor, battery pack and drive systems have not been altered, the vehicle’s power electronics have been given extra protection from the elements for off-road racing. The interior of the ID.4 has been stripped of features such as the HVAC system and modified with a roll cage, safety racing seats and supplemental screens for key data like battery temperature.