The Path of Sustainability for Volkswagen Electric Cars

How Volkswagen Electric SUVs and Sedans Aim to Reduce Our Carbon Footprint

Since the industrial revolution, various sectors have been using energy sources that are toxic to the environment and not sustainable in the long term. Harmful emissions are the reason that the United Nations has created a plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.

However, there are a couple caveats to the goal. First, every major sector must play their part in the overall plan. For instance, plants that are using coal as their primary energy source must convert to energy-efficient electricity, an energy source with similar efficiency levels, or close down. From the standpoint of a company that has operated a certain way for several decades, this might be a next-to-impossible request.

The other caveat is that every sector must accept that there will be some disruption in their normal business operations, as well as some costs. To cite another example, companies based in heavy industry must switch over to a more sustainable power source. Transitioning an entire plant is likely a massive endeavor that will slow down operations and require a significant investment to do so.

Despite these obvious challenges for companies in several sectors, Volkswagen is tackling them with aplomb. The automaker has clearly committed to a path of sustainability, which all started with the release of the VW ID.4 in late 2020. The following are some of the core ways that VW is demonstrating the Volkswagen electric car is the future of automobiles and sustainability.

Addressing the Carbon Dioxide Emissions Issue

Carbon dioxide is responsible for depleting the ozone, warming atmospheric temperatures, and overall climate change. Statistically, the average vehicle emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. Carbon dioxide emissions are estimated to have increased by 50% in the last two centuries alone.

What does this mean in terms of response? For one, the time of addressing the problem from a proactive standpoint has long passed. The United States and the rest of the world are officially in reactionary mode. The damage has been done – now is the time to redouble our efforts to undo it.

One of the core ways that the carbon dioxide emissions problem will be addressed is through the rollout of electric vehicles that are both sustainable and affordable. As many electric car owners already know, these vehicles yield the following monetary and environmental benefits:

• Electric vehicles are significantly more energy efficient than combustion engine-based vehicles.
• They do not emit any pollutants such as greenhouse gasses or CO2.
• Electric cars offer significant savings on fuel costs.
• The lack of a combustion engine means that electric vehicles are significantly easier and cheaper to maintain.
• Upcoming generations of electric vehicles will be able to serve as a backup generator, which will be useful during emergency situations where power is lost.
• Domestically made electric cars qualify for a significant tax credit.
• Upcoming technology will allow for responsible recycling of EV batteries.

What Else Will Volkswagen Electric Cars and SUVs Do to Push Sustainability?

Although rolling out electric vehicles is beneficial from the carbon emissions standpoint, the German automaker has plenty of other plans in the pipeline to further increase their sustainability with Volkswagen electric SUVs and cars.

Originally introduced on the VW ID.Life concept vehicle, Volkswagen is moving forward with their lineup of SUVs and sedans that use recycled materials to create exterior and interior features and components. Here is what we know so far:

• According to VW, their plan is to reduce their carbon emissions by 40% within the next seven years.
• Eco-friendly upgrades are planned for the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and the ID.7, coming soon.
• Plastic recovered from the ocean and polyethylene terephthalate bottles will be used for select interior components and underbody parts.
• An eco-friendly faux chrome liquid paint will be used in lieu of actual chrome. Real chrome plating is harmful for the environment and requires the use of toxic acid baths to achieve.
• ArtVelours Eco, recycled polyester, and Seaquel yarn are planned to replace the materials used for headliners and seating surfaces.

For those who are concerned that the use of eco-friendly materials will somehow compromise the high bar of quality that Volkswagen has established – worry not. A VW spokesperson has already gone on record saying that any materials that aren’t up to par won’t make it into the production versions of Volkswagen electric cars and sedans.

How to Learn More About Volkswagen Electric SUVs

The 2023 model the VW ID.4 comes in eight different trim levels and can achieve up to 275 miles on a single charge. It’s also worth noting that the VW ID.4 qualifies for the electric vehicle tax credit and comes with three years of unlimited 30-minute DC fast charging via Electrify America charging stations.

The best way to learn more about this vehicle is by visiting a local Volkswagen dealership. A team member can walk you through the finer points of this Volkswagen electric SUV and answer any questions you may have about it during a test drive. Volkswagen SouthTowne is located just off I-15 at 106th south. Visit vwsouthtowne.com or stop by to discuss your EV options with a friendly EV specialist.

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