HARTING is partnering with Volkswagen as a sponsor for a special challenge – driving across the United States in a VW ID.4 Compact SUV. On its trek, the car will visit all 48 states of the Continental (Mainland) United States. HARTING and Volkswagen have a strong partnership, celebrated when HARTING won the Volkswagen Group Award 2020 in the “E-mobility” category.
The companies have teamed with long-distance driving expert Rainer Zietlow for the new challenge. The attempt will take Zietlow and driving partner Derek Collins on a counterclockwise loop of the country, starting and ending in Herndon, Virginia. This drive will mark Zietlow’s 17th long-distance project with Volkswagen.
“The VW ID.4 is designed to bring electric vehicles to the mainstream,” said Zietlow. “It is more than suited for a long-distance drive with space for plenty of gear and the technology that compact SUV buyers want.” The ID.4 boasts a range of 250 miles per charge and is fitted with DC fast charging that allows a recharge up to 80 percent capacity in 38 minutes. With these features VW is confident that the ID.4 is up for the challenge.
By participating in this challenge, HARTING underlines its commitment to sustainability and reducing CO2 emissions. The company develops robust, reliable, and user friendly EV charging cables and plugs to support the shift to electric vehicles, which are becoming more important for combating climate change.
"We are very excited to participate in this challenge,“ said Jon DeSouza, President & CEO of HARTING Americas, "We know one of the biggest hesitations people have about switching to an electric vehicle is the concern that there aren‘t enough charging stations, or that they cannot be used for long distance travel. We are here to prove that an electric vehicle is a viable solution whether you are just going a short way or on a road trip across the entire country. The technology is here. The infrastructure is here."
