In March of 2022, after several months of research, we made the decision to hop into the world of Electric Vehicle (EV) ownership. We placed our order and plunked down a deposit. Nine months later, like a traditional new parent, we became proud owners of our first EV.

This month, we finally put our Volkswagen ID.4 to the test and embarked on a cross-country journey from Michigan to Florida. This expedition was a test of our EV’s capabilities and a way to dispel any lingering doubts we had about electric vehicles and their ability to handle long-distance travel; it also served as an opportunity to discover one feature I’ve never experienced before: massaging seats.

One of the most common concerns people have about EVs is range anxiety – the fear that the vehicle will not have enough power to make it to the next charging station. However, I can confidently say that this was not an issue during our trip. The ID.4 has a stated range of up to 250 miles per charge, and with the help of a detailed charging plan and the use of fast-charging stations along the way, we were able to make it to our destination without any issues. We hopped from charging station to charging station, much like an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) driver would have to navigate from gas station to gas station. We managed to average just over 220 miles per charge when charging to 100%

The one big surprise on the trip, after many hours on the road, was the massaging seats. This was a game-changer. Massaging seats come as standard equipment, for both front seats, on all trim levels of Volkswagen’s 2023 ID.4 It was a feature I didn’t think we needed until we had it, and now I can’t imagine a long road trip without it.

While the journey wasn’t just about the destination, we found Florida exciting and beautiful. Not only did we hang out with family, but we also spent some time at Myakka River State Park. It was an incredible experience; we saw live alligators in the wild and enjoyed the lush green of the park’s natural beauty. With the car’s ample interior space and panoramic all-glass roof, we thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds of the park from the comfort inside the vehicle.

However, we all know that massaging seats and an all-glass roof don’t get you to your destination; range anxiety is real. One reason people hold on to this fear is the concern about the lack of charging infrastructure. While it is true that the charging infrastructure is not as widespread as gasoline stations, it is rapidly expanding. During our journey, we were able to easily find charging stations using the car’s built-in navigation system and a couple of 3rd-party “best route” complex planning apps. In addition, we were pleasantly surprised by how many charging options were available. From Level 2 charging stations to fast-charging stations that can charge the ID.4’s battery to 80% in just over half an hour, we never had to worry about finding a charging station. And the icing on the cake is that when an ID.4 is charged using the Electrify America charger network, all the charges are complimentary, thanks to their partnership with Volkswagen.

But the benefits of driving an EV don’t stop there. The ID.4 is incredibly quiet and smooth to drive, making for a relaxing and enjoyable experience on the road. And with instant torque and a responsive accelerator, it was a blast to drive on the highway. Plus, with no tailpipe emissions, we could enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way without feeling guilty about impacting the environment.

Overall, our cross-country journey in our VW was a huge success. Not only did it prove EVs are capable of handling long-distance travel, but it also highlighted the many benefits of driving an EV. So if you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, I can verify that EVs are no longer just “everyday drivers”; they’re now viable options for long-distance travel.

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