The Volkswagen Group has revealed its ID. Buzz range of semi-autonomous electric vehicles. The ID. Buzz and Buzz Cargo are envisioned as the latest iterations of its popular microbus and aim to provide additional support for sustainable, CO2-free, mobility. The ID. Buzz is an MPV designed for passenger use, while the ID. Buzz Cargo is a van designed for use in commercial fleets. Like other models in the Group’s ID. range of EVs, the ID. Buzz line-up will be manufactured by its commercial vehicle subsidiary at its plant in Hanover, Germany, and be based on its MEB EV platform.
Both models will utilize an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery (77 kWh of which is usable), that powers a 150 kW motor attached to the rear axle, enabling rear-wheel drive. In terms of performance, this combination allows for a power output of 201 hp (150 kW), with 229 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h). It supports AC charging at a maximum rate of 11 kW and up to 170 kW on DC with a CCS connector. When charging on AC, the battery takes eight hours to fully charge, while it can be charged from 5% to 80% in around 30 minutes at a DC fast-charging station.
This battery is positioned underneath the floor, alongside an electric drive system that enables improved weight distribution, and a low center of gravity that optimizes handling. Volkswagen also confirmed that support for Plug&Charge would be offered in a future firmware OTA update. This allows the EV to self-authenticate at select DC rapid-charging stations through the ISO 15118 standard, while exchanging all necessary data in the process. An optional bi-directional charging mode will allow owners to expand the functionality of their ID. Buzz model – using it as a backup energy source for the home – with power transfer and communications sent through a dedicated bi-directional wallbox.
The ID. Buzz and ID. Cargo models are similarly equipped with a broad range of standard safety and ADAS equipment. At the core of this offering is Car2X, a local warning vehicle-to-everything system that leverages signals from other vehicles and surrounding transport infrastructure to identify hazards in real-time. Also standard is the Front Assist emergency braking function, with a Lane Assist exclusive to the MPV model. An optional Travel Assist with Swarm Data works to facilitate partially automated driving across the EV’s full speed range and support assisted lane-changing on motorways. Likewise, a Memory Function will provide automated parking capabilities on previously saved routes, though it is unclear if this is standard or optional.
Inside the vehicle, a 5.3-inch digital instrument display is paired with a 10-inch central display that works as the centerpiece of the infotainment system. When configuring their ID. Buzz, customers will also have the option to upgrade the size of this display to 12 inches. Underneath the display, a digital control bar with controls for the HVAC and volume comes as standard. While the system’s software offering has not yet been detailed, Volkswagen confirmed that it will support wireless integrations with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Behind the display is a movable, and removable, center console. When removed, the console becomes a multi-purpose box that can be relocated to the second row of the vehicle. Volkswagen’s focus on sustainability extends to the design of the interior, which is entirely leather-free – utilizing recycled materials and fabric made up of 10% collected ocean plastic and 90% recycled PET bottles. The interior will also provide room for multiple electronics devices – such as a laptop – and offer up to eight USB ports for charging as well as an optional inductive pad for wireless charging. The Cargo model exclusively features five USB-C ports and four cupholders, as well as an optional rearview camera and standard wooden flooring.
Sales for the ID. Buzz range will commence in May for Europe ahead of a launch in select countries in Fall 2022. Initially, the MPV will be offered in three trims: Pure, Pro, and Packs, with more variants to be added in the near future. While sales for the North America region have been confirmed to commence 2024, the ID. Buzz Cargo will not be sold there.
