Volkswagen's new electric era began last year with the launch of the ID.3 hatchback. Since hatchbacks aren't as popular in the States, the ID.3 never went on sale here. But now the wait for America's first VW ID. model is finally over. After its world debut last year, the first examples of the Volkswagen ID.4, VW's first fully-electric crossover, have been delivered to dealers across the US. This is arguably VW's most important new model in years, designed to attract first-time EV buyers and steal some sales from Tesla.

"The launch of the ID.4 represents a huge inflection point for the Volkswagen brand, and its foray into becoming a major player in the electric vehicle space," said Taylor Olson, EV sales strategy and dealer development lead for Volkswagen of America.

"The ID.4 is the right car at the right time and is being sold by a dealer network that has really embraced the shift to electrification."

Volkswagen has been preparing dealers for the ID.4's arrival for the last two years. Since electric cars need enough charge to complete the journey from the factory to the dealership, Level 2 charging stations were installed in VW's 600 dealers across the US along with special vehicle lifts to load them into showrooms. Since the ID.4 will be many customer's first EV, VW has given dealers special training to become "certified in EV."

Designated EV specialists will also be on hand at VW's US dealerships to answer any questions about the ID.4, charging stations, and networks.

Starting at $39,995 (before tax credits), the Volkswagen ID.4 is one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market. Currently, the ID.4 is only available with a single motor producing 201 hp in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, but a more powerful AWD version with a dual motor setup producing a combined 302 hp will be available in mid-2021. On a single charge, the RWD version offers an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 250 miles.