The electric crossover did not have a single mechanical defect, while the drive system remained completely standard.
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When the US Volkswagen represented bragging about sending a modified VW ID.4 electric crossover to the extremely demanding Baja 1000 race, many of us smiled. Especially when it is mentioned that its power supply in inhospitable parts will be taken care of by a generator burning bio-fuel. But the electric crossover scored in a way.
Tanner Foust, who was behind the wheel during the race, did not experience a single mechanical defect during the race. He didn’t even have to change a tire. “It’s the first time I’ve finished a 1,000-mile race without a mechanical defect. ” Foust told Autoweek. “Actually, we didn’t even have to change the tire.“
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It is worth remembering that all components of the propulsion system (82kWh battery, electric motor, etc.) remained standard. As part of the modifications, Rhys Millen Racing only modified the chassis, added battery protection, lightened the interior and installed a protective cage, a racing seat and sensors / monitors to monitor the temperatures of the batteries and the propulsion system.
During the whole race, Fousta suffered the only inconvenience, when he fell into the sand on the very first day and had to wait to be pulled out. However, several other riders eventually fell in the same place as him, which eventually led the organizers to create a detour of the problem section.
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After the race, Foust also praised the new format of the race, modified due to the pandemic situation. “The five-day format is actually like the historic Baja 1000 that people know well, it’s just divided into stages in five days,“Foust described. The newly set conditions perfectly suited his electric car in particular.
„It’s perfect for driving an electric car, because you have clearly set crossing times and you can charge overnight. ”During the races, the VW ID.4 is said to have managed to cover similar distances as cars with internal combustion engines. Of course, charging took a long time to learn.
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The final result of the VW ID.4, the only electric car in the race, is not exactly famous. While Rhys Millen, whose company modified the car, finished in first place, Tanner Foust took 61st place, losing 22 hours and 23 minutes to Millen. However, a total of 90 competitors entered the race and only 64 finished the race.
However, neither Volkswagen nor Foust wanted to prove that ID.4 was the fastest in this race. It was primarily a test of reliability and durability even in the most demanding conditions, in which the electric crossover definitely succeeded. “Due to people considering buying an electric car, we have exposed one to 100 times more demanding conditions than they may encounter. If he can survive this, he’ll survive on the streets,Foust added for Autoweek.
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