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VWIDTalk Podcast

VWIDTalk.com

Driven by ID owners, the VWIDTalk Podcast is operated by VW ID owners for VW ID owners, sharing best practices, tips, tricks, and mods in engaging, multi-participant discussions on everything to do with Volkswagen's lineup of electric vehicles. Dive deep, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.

Hosts: VWIDTalk.com moderators and ID.4 owners Jan Kalis and Wes Garrison.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 24 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S1 · E33
    April 19 · 20 min

    Episode 33: Winter EV Driving: Range and Elevation Lessons from a 20"+ Snow Storm

    In this episode of the VWIDTalk Podcast, we analyze real-world data from a mountain ski trip in 20+ inches of snow. We demonstrate how freezing temperatures and a 4,000-foot elevation gain impact EV range, limit power output to 50%, and affect regenerative braking. Learn how to manage mountain physics, deal with frozen sensors, and use essential winter gear like snow socks to stay safe. What we cover in this episode: Mountain Physics: How much battery it really takes to climb 4,000 feet versus the energy you get back on the way down. Power Limits: Why your car might only give you 50% power when the battery is near freezing. Sensor Failures: Dealing with "intimidating" dashboard errors when the front radar gets covered in slush. The Rescue: How "snow socks" and a little manpower saved Jan after a 90-degree slide in a potholed parking lot. Winter Essentials Checklist: We also break down why you should carry sand, a 12V jumpstarter, and why upgrading to an AGM battery might save your trip. Subscribe for our upcoming deep dive on how to change and code your 12V battery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E31
    March 4 · 17 min

    Episode 31: How to Retrofit GTX Signature Lights on your VW ID.4

    In this episode, Jan and Wes dive deep into one of the most visually striking modifications for the Volkswagen ID.4: the GTX Signature Lights. Jan recently completed this retrofit on his 2021 model and shares the "real talk" on what it actually takes to get that GTX look. We cover: - The "GTX Framework": Is it mechanically and electrically feasible? - The Hidden Cost: Why this mod deletes your "air curtains" and impacts your range by ~1%. - The Wiring Challenge: How Yan bypassed the standard headlight control by reusing an available light channel (the US rear fog light channel!). - While the Bumper is Off: Why Jan thinks this mod is only worth it if you’re also adding front cameras and side parking sensors. - Parts List: A breakdown of the three key parts needed for each side, including the bumper reinforcement and grill covers. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just curious about the MEB platform's modularity, this episode is packed with technical insights you won't find in the manual. ❤️ Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more ID. Buzz and EV content! Part Number and description 4F0 973 702 F - Electrical Connector 11A 807 763 A - DLR Trim Left 11A 807 764 A - DLR Trim Right 11A 807 884 B - Bumper Reinforcement 11A 807 883 B - Bumper Reinforcement 11A941055A - GTX DLR Light 11A941056A - GTX DLR Light WHT 003 954 - Hexagon socket bolt #VWID4 #Volkswagen #GTX #EVRetrofit #VWIDTalk #ID4GTX #MEBPlatform #ElectricVehicle #VWModification #ID4 #VWCoding #IDBuzz #RetrofitGuide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E30
    March 1 · 11 min

    Episode 30: VW ID.4 Battery Recalls Explained

    Jan and Wes explain the VW ID.4 battery recent recalls announced in February 2026. NHTSA recall 26V028000 (aka VW recall "93EW") affects 670 vehicles in the US and Canada, carries a serious "risk of fire warning", and requires battery module replacement ASAP! https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=26V028000 NHTSA recall 26V030000 (aka VW recall "93EA") affects 43,881 vehicles, and is a proactive software update adding "Self Discharge Detection" software for early detection of similar issues in other cars that could possibly develop this issue. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=26V030000 This only affects US and Canadian models with batteries from SK On (mfr. by SK Americas). Models with LG batteries are not affected at this time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • February 8 · 25 min

    Episode 29: Modding the VW ID. Buzz & ID.4! Lowered, Euro Lights & More

    Join us for another episode of VW ID Talk! In this episode, Jeremy and Jan do a deep dive into their personal builds: a customized 2025 VW ID. Buzz and a highly modified VW ID.4. We discuss how to achieve the "OEM Plus" look, integrating European-spec parts onto North American vehicles, and the challenges of modifying electric vehicles on the MEB platform. From enabling Matrix headlights and swapping tail lights to 3D-printed interior hacks and suspension lowering, we cover it all. 🚗 Featured Mods in this Video: - ID.4: Matrix High Beams, GTX-style honeycomb lights, Euro animated tail lights (amber turns), tactile steering wheel buttons, and custom 3D-printed interior trim. - ID. Buzz: Rotiform 22" wheels, H&R Coilover lowering (2.5-inch drop), Van Style front spoiler, custom painted trim, roof rack mods, and a MagSafe charging integration. #VWIDBuzz #VWID4 #Volkswagen #EVMods #LoweredCars #Rotiform #ElectricVehicle #CarMods ID. 4 - Body Side Molding https://www.sportwing.com/FE-ID4-Volkswagen-ID-4-Painted-Body-Side-Molding - Euro Tail Lights https://github.com/JohnyForElectric/ID.4/blob/main/Retrofits/Euro%20Style%20Tail%20Lights.md - Frunk https://www.frunk.at/en/produkt-kategorie/vw-en/vw-id-4-id-5/ - Phone Cooling https://github.com/JohnyForElectric/ID.4/blob/main/Tweaks/Ventilated%20Phone%20Storage.md - 4 Windows Switches https://youtu.be/ts_I0_i7ltU - Tactile steering wheel buttons https://youtu.be/5tGetrM9oe0 - Multimedia tactile switches https://youtu.be/H6lNKKdLzAU - Matrix Headlights https://youtu.be/rsiEe-eg1J4 - Washer Fluid Funnel https://www.oemvwshop.com/000096706-lid-funnel-for-washer-fluid-reservoir-p2221774/ ID. Buzz - Dash Cam https://buzzinmadness.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=1_24&product_id=300163141 - 30" Hella Wipers https://amzn.to/4sAlvsS - Front Spoiler https://www.vanstyle.co.uk/van/front-lower-splitter-your-buzz-2022-p-12082.html - Clear Side Markers https://www.partsbytopher.com/collections/volkswagen-id-buzz-1t3-2025/products/genuine-id-buzz-clear-side-marker-trims-1t3-id-buzz - Wheels - BTL Rotiform https://www.rotiform.com/rotiform-btl - H&R Coil Over Suspension https://www.h-r.com/en/blog/vorher-nachher/hr-coil-over-suspension-for-the-vw-id-buzz/ - Smiley Face Screw Cover https://www.partsbytopher.com/collections/volkswagen-id-buzz-1t3-2025/products/genuine-winking-smiley-face-screw-covers-id-buzz-1t3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E24
    May 11, 2025 · 28 min

    Episode 24: No Drills, Just Thrills – The Maker Who 3D-Printed His Way into VW Owners’ Hearts

    In-depth discussion with Yuri (aka Yurik) from YuriKAccessories about making thoughtful and useful aftermarket accessories for EVs, such as the ID.4, ID.Buzz, Q4 e-tron, Hyundai Ioniq, BMW i3/i4/iX, Honda Prologue/Acura ZDX, and even the Fisker Ocean! https://www.yurikaccessories.com/ Yuri makes great things from protective poor-weather charge port covers to storage trays, from better cup holders to glove box organizers, sunglasses holders, and even glow-in-the-dark stickers for those ID.4s without backlit sliders. ...but perhaps his piece de resistance is his "no screw front license plate holder" for the ID.4 and ID.Buzz. It's a work of art. You can also find his accessories on his Etsy store and Amazon: https://www.etsy.com/shop/YuriKAccessories https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A288QNQPGEGTH6 🔔 Subscribe for more EV stories, road trips, and Volkswagen ID coverage 💬 Comment below if you’ve taken your EV on a road trip — we’d love to hear your experience! 📢 Check out more at https://www.vwidtalk.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E22
    Apr 20, 2025 · 14 min

    Episode 22: 2,000 Miles in an ID.4 – EV Road Trip Seattle, WA ↔ Santa Cruz, CA

    We took the Volkswagen ID.4 on a 2,000-mile EV road trip from Seattle, Washington to Santa Cruz, California and back. Along the way, we tested public charging infrastructure, enjoyed coastal routes, and gathered real-world insights on range, comfort, and long-distance EV travel. Whether you're considering an ID.4 or planning your own electric road trip, this episode offers practical takeaways, tips, and a look at what it's really like to drive an EV on a multi-day journey. 🔔 Subscribe for more EV stories, road trips, and Volkswagen ID coverage: [insert your channel link] 📢 Join the discussion at https://www.vwidtalk.com #VWID4 #EVRoadTrip #ElectricVehicle #VolkswagenID4 #ID4RoadTrip #EVLife #VWIDTalk #SantaCruzTrip #SeattleToSantaCruz #LongDistanceEV #EVAdventure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S1 · E21
    Apr 15, 2025 · 13 min

    Episode 21: Mastering Climate and Heating in your VW ID.– Tips You’ll Actually Use

    Looking to get even more comfort out of your Volkswagen ID.4 or ID.Buzz? In this episode we explore the full potential of your EV’s climate and heating system — including features you may not know exist. We cover: 🌀 The difference between stationary and driving HVAC modes 🌡️ How to schedule pre-heating and cooling and use the VW app 🎛️ Smart Climate vs. Classic Climate — and when to use each 🎙️ Voice commands that actually work: “My hands are cold” 🔧 Customizing shortcuts for faster access 🔗 Join the discussion: VWIDTalk.com 📺 Tune up on YouTube for more visual experience #VWID4 #VWIDBuzz #VolkswagenEV #ClimateControl #SmartClimate #VWIDTalk #EVTips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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