World Premiere of the All-New Electric ID. Cross: Premium Class in Compact Format

This one is about a new car, not a home upgrade, but it may interest anyone weighing an electric vehicle alongside home energy plans. Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Cross, a compact all-electric SUV, with a starting price around 27,995 euros. It comes with battery options of 37 kWh or 52 kWh and can travel up to 427 kilometers on a full charge, based on the WLTP testing standard used in Europe. Fast charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 23 to 24 minutes at a public DC fast charger.

For anyone thinking about home charging, the ID. Cross can draw up to 11 kW from a home wall box or public AC charger. It also has vehicle-to-load capability, meaning it can power other devices, such as an e-bike charger, at up to 3.6 kW through its charging port. That kind of two-way power feature is worth knowing about if you're considering an EV that could also serve as backup power for small devices.

Advance sales start now in Germany, with higher trim levels (Life and Style, 155 kW motor, 52 kWh battery) available first at prices from 36,525 euros. The base Trend version, with a smaller battery and motor, will follow later starting at the lower listed price. There's no mention of availability or pricing in the US, so homeowners here will need to watch for further announcements if they want this model for their own driveway.