The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a concept vehicle that combines the nostalgia of the iconic VW Microbus with the modern technology of electric mobility. The ID. Buzz is part of Volkswagen's ID. family of electric vehicles, which aims to offer a range of models that are affordable, sustainable, and fun to drive.
The ID. Buzz was first unveiled in 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show, where it received a positive response from the public and the media. The concept vehicle features a spacious interior that can accommodate up to eight passengers, a modular battery system that can deliver up to 600 kilometers of range, and a fully autonomous driving mode that can take over the steering wheel when needed.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is not just a nostalgic tribute to the past but also a vision for the future of mobility. Volkswagen plans to launch the production version of the ID. Buzz in 2022, starting with Europe and followed by North America and China. The ID. Buzz will be available in two versions: a passenger van and a cargo van.
The passenger van will offer more seats, more flexibility, and more options for customers who want to use the ID. Buzz for personal or commercial purposes. The passenger van will have a long wheelbase of 3.3 meters and a total length of 4.94 meters, making it one of the largest vehicles in the ID. family. The passenger van will also have a sliding door on both sides, a panoramic roof, and a customizable interior layout.
The cargo van will be aimed at businesses and professionals who need a reliable and efficient vehicle for transporting goods or services. The cargo van will have a shorter wheelbase of 3 meters and a total length of 4.61 meters, making it more agile and maneuverable in urban environments. The cargo van will also have a large cargo space of up to 6.6 cubic meters, a payload capacity of up to 800 kilograms, and a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms.
Both versions of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be powered by an electric drivetrain that consists of two electric motors, one on each axle, that can produce a combined output of 275 kilowatts (374 horsepower). The electric motors will be connected to a battery pack that can be configured with different capacities depending on the customer's needs and preferences. The battery pack will be located under the floor of the vehicle, lowering the center of gravity and improving stability and handling.
The ID. Buzz will also feature a fast-charging system that can replenish 80% of the battery in just 30 minutes using a 150-kilowatt charger. The ID. Buzz will also support wireless charging and bidirectional charging, which means that it can not only receive electricity from the grid but also supply electricity to other devices or vehicles.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will also offer high connectivity and intelligence thanks to its advanced infotainment system and digital cockpit. The infotainment system will consist of a large touchscreen display on the dashboard and several smaller displays on the steering wheel and the door panels. The infotainment system will provide access to various functions and features like navigation, entertainment, communication, climate control, and vehicle settings.
The digital cockpit will consist of an augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD) that will project relevant information onto the windshield in front of the driver's eyes. The AR-HUD will also interact with the autonomous driving mode, which will be activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel. When the autonomous driving mode is engaged, the steering wheel will retract into the dashboard, and the AR-HUD will display a virtual view of the road ahead.
The autonomous driving mode will use an array of sensors and cameras to monitor the surroundings and control the vehicle's speed, direction, braking, and steering. The autonomous driving mode will also communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure using vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which will enhance safety and efficiency.
The ID. Buzz is an innovative vehicle that showcases not only Volkswagen's technological prowess but also an emotional vehicle that evokes memories and emotions among customers who grew up with or admired the original VW Microbus. The ID. Buzz is designed to appeal to both young and old generations who share a passion for adventure, freedom, and sustainability.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to hit the market in 2022 with an estimated price tag of around $40,000 for the base model. The ID. Buzz is one of the most anticipated electric vehicles in the industry, as it represents a unique combination of style, functionality, and performance. The ID. Buzz is more than just a vehicle; it is a lifestyle.
