Volkswagen launches its ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo electric vehicles (EVs)

Volkswagen have officially launched the much-awaited ID. Buzz electric microbus and ID. Buzz Cargo. Both new zero-emissions models take their DNA from the legendary Volkswagen T1 camper launched in 1950 but come in a modern package with their unique design, innovative technology and progressive sustainability.

It was great to finally see the production models without the test model stripes and get a true feeling of what these modern classics look like in reality. We think they truly deliver on the looks front and love the two-tone colour schemes.

- Advertisement -

Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel between the charismatic LED headlights.

Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, said: “The ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. A car, the likes of which only Volkswagen can build. In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion.

“The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving. With this car, we are bringing

Like the other models in the ID. family, the electrically powered all-rounder is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) electric platform. The low centre of gravity of the battery pack, which is installed flat in the floor, enables a high level of agility, the typical microbus seating position, plenty of space and flexibility as well as a roomy feel in the interior.

This pure electric vehicle (EV) features a 150kW electric motor that’s powered by a 77kWh battery that features peak charging of 170kW. No official range figures have been released as yet. We are guessing it will be around 250-300 miles (400-460km) based on the battery size.

The lithium-ion battery can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC (direct current) rapid-charging station the charging power increases up to 170kW. When charged in this way, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.

Using the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the ‘Plug & Charge’ function in the future. Via this function, the ID. Buzz authenticates itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard.

In addition to its unique design, efficient electric drive and innovative sustainability, the ID. Buzz features today’s leading automotive trends. With the latest ID. software, intelligent networking of assistance and information systems and over-the-air updates, it also provides the technical basis for the autonomous shuttles that will be used for mobility services from 2025 onwards.

Compact on the outside yet spacious on the inside, both the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz CargoID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, utilise the space extraordinarily well thanks to the space-saving MEB concept.

The five-seater ID. Buzz provides space for 1,121 litres of luggage even with all passengers on board. The maximum storage volume of the ID. Buzz Cargo, equipped with a partition behind the first row of seats, amounts to more than 3.9 mᶟ.

Both ID. Buzz models feature a long wheelbase (2,988 mm) and compact body for maximum use of vehicle footprint. Including roof aerial, the two versions of ID. Buzz measure, dependent on specification, 1,937 mm or 1,938 mm in height. At 1,985 mm, the new model is 81 mm wider than a T6.1.

The design and shape have been optimised to make the ID. Buzz as efficient as possible. The ID. Buzz has a drag coefficient of 0.285 and the ID. Buzz Cargo is 0.29. Impressively, these figures are about the same as you’d find for a car and ultimately reduce energy consumption and increase range.

The turning circle of 11.1 metres is unusually small, about the same as a VW Golf, making the ID. Buzz an agile mover. This will help certainly help on the road and for parking.

The ID. Buzz will be available in seven single colour options and four two-tone colour schemes. This combination of white and fresh colours is carried through to the interior, which incorporates style elements from the T1 generation and transfers them to the current era of electric mobility.

The colours correspond to the exterior paintwork and are optionally reflected in the seat cushions, dash panel and door trim. Background lighting (optionally available with up to 30 colours) provides atmospheric accents.

The attention to detail in the new model is also evident in a number of individual ID. Buzz motifs that decorate the interior in various places. Most of them are only discovered at a second glance, even functional and intelligent features such as a bottle opener and an ice scraper can be found here.

Jozef Kabaň, Head of Volkswagen Design, said: “The ID. Buzz brings a lot of sympathy and proximity to people back to the road. The ID. Buzz is timeless, sustainable and yet also extremely functional – that makes it unique.

Another feature that has always been typical of the model line is the iconic front with its V-shaped front panel between the charismatic LED headlights. That goes for the optional two-tone paintwork too.

The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo reflect Volkswagen’s understanding of holistic sustainability. Volkswagen has implemented a package of technologies and processes to ensure that the two models are among the most sustainable product lines worldwide.

Leather and other materials of animal origin do not feature at all and are replaced with substitute materials with similar properties and feel. The steering wheel rim is made of polyurethane but it has the same high-quality look as leather and a similar feel.

The seat covers, floor coverings and headliner in the ID. Buzz are made using recyclates – materials made from recycled products. One fabric will be made of SEAQUAL® yarn, for example. Its threads consist of approximately 10 percent marine plastic and around 90 percent PES (recycled PET bottles).

This allows a saving of 32 percent carbon emissions compared to similar products. The ArtVelours ECO upholstery used by Volkswagen in the ID. Buzz for the first time also comprises of 71 percent recyclates.

The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will come onto the market in the first few European countries this autumn.