Volkswagen ID.4: Brake energy recuperation

Limited driving power

The yellow warning indicator in the Volkswagen ID.4 illuminates.

A corresponding message appears in the instrument cluster, accompanied by an acoustic warning signal.

The available driving power of the Volkswagen ID.4 is significantly reduced and may decrease even further depending on conditions.

Comfort and climate control functions are also restricted in order to conserve energy.

1. Charge the high-voltage battery of the Volkswagen ID.4 if the charge level is low.

In extremely cold or very hot ambient temperatures, the high-voltage battery in the Volkswagen ID.4 is automatically heated or cooled during driving. After a short period, the available driving power usually increases again.

Always monitor the power display in the instrument cluster of the Volkswagen ID.4 for real-time feedback.

Once normal performance is restored, the warning indicator will switch off.

All-wheel drive (4MOTION) is restricted

A malfunction has been detected in the all-wheel drive (4MOTION) system of the Volkswagen ID.4. As a result, overall driving performance is limited.

• In the ID. cockpit, the message “All-wheel drive (4MOTION) is restricted. Please adapt your driving behavior” appears.
• The Volkswagen ID.4 can still be driven, but with reduced performance.

Have the Volkswagen ID.4 inspected immediately by a qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

All-wheel drive (4MOTION) is currently restricted

The front electric motor output in the Volkswagen ID.4 has been temporarily reduced to prevent overheating.

• The ID. cockpit displays the message “All-wheel drive (4MOTION) is currently restricted. Please adapt your driving behavior”.
• The vehicle remains drivable with limited power.

The performance limitation will be automatically lifted once the front motor temperature returns to a safe operating range.

Electronic engine sound failed

The yellow warning indicator lights up and an acoustic signal is emitted in the Volkswagen ID.4.

A related message is shown in the ID. cockpit.

1. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to have the system checked. Volkswagen recommends professional diagnostics for this issue.

Driving can be continued, but caution is advised.

When decelerating, coasting, or driving downhill in the Volkswagen ID.4, the electric drivetrain converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in the high-voltage battery. This process is known as "brake energy recuperation" and provides an additional engine braking effect while improving efficiency.

The strength of engine braking in the Volkswagen ID.4 varies depending on the selected driving mode.

The brake lights may activate automatically when strong recuperation occurs. As the battery charge level increases, the recuperation effect decreases. If the high-voltage battery is fully charged, recuperation is no longer possible and no engine braking effect is generated. Additionally, if road conditions are unsafe (e.g., slippery surfaces), the Volkswagen ID.4 automatically reduces recuperation to maintain stability. The power display provides information about available recuperation and braking force.

Depending on the selector lever position and Infotainment settings, the Volkswagen ID.4 offers different recuperation behaviors:

Selector lever position D with ECO assist deactivated: No recuperation.

Selector lever position D with ECO assist activated: Automatic recuperation adjusted according to navigation data and traffic conditions.

Selector lever position B: Maximum recuperation and stronger engine braking effect.

The Volkswagen ID.4 continues to recuperate energy even when the brake pedal is pressed.

Eco assist

The ECO assist system in the Volkswagen ID.4 helps optimize energy efficiency by automatically adjusting the recuperation level based on driving conditions, navigation data, and traffic flow.

This feature can be activated or deactivated via the Infotainment system settings.

Driving on an incline

When driving on slopes, it is recommended to use B mode in the Volkswagen ID.4 whenever possible to maximize regenerative braking.

Never allow the Volkswagen ID.4 to roll downhill in neutral (N), as this eliminates both drive power and recuperation.

WARNING

Strong brake energy recuperation in the Volkswagen ID.4 can lead to loss of traction, especially on wet, icy, or slippery roads. This may result in loss of control and serious accidents.

• Only use high recuperation levels when road, weather, and traffic conditions are suitable and safe.

WARNING

As the high-voltage battery charge level increases, the electric motor braking effect in the Volkswagen ID.4 decreases and may disappear completely. This can significantly alter driving behavior.

• Avoid fully charging the battery before descending steep slopes, as recuperation braking will be unavailable.
• Reduce speed before driving downhill.
• Use the conventional braking system when necessary.
• Be aware that without recuperation, the load on the brake system increases.

The advanced recuperation system of the Volkswagen ID.4 enhances efficiency and driving comfort, but drivers should always adapt their driving style to conditions to ensure maximum safety and performance.