On March 11, Volkswagen announced the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, its new one-box BEV models.
Text by Akira Hara
Sales to Begin in Several European Countries This Fall
The exterior of both vehicles features an iconic design inspired by the 1950s Volkswagen T1 (also known as the Type 2 or the VW Bus), interpreted for the modern era and transplanted into the age of e-mobility.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The length is 4,712mm, width 1,985mm, and height 1,937mm to 1,938mm. The wheelbase is 2,988mm with a minimum turning radius of 11.1 meters. The clean form achieves excellent aerodynamics, with a Cd value (coefficient of drag) of 0.285 for the ID. Buzz and 0.29 for the ID. Buzz Cargo. This reduces energy consumption and extends driving range.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
There is ample space for five occupants and luggage (1,121 liters capacity), which increases to a maximum of 2,205 liters when the second-row seats are folded. The cargo model features a fixed partition separating the cargo area from the front seats, available in two- or three-seater configurations depending on user needs, allowing for two Euro-sized pallets to be loaded side-by-side. Notably, the interior uses no leather.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The battery capacity is 77 kWh (total energy capacity: 82 kWh), and the 150 kW electric motor drives the rear wheels, much like the flat-four engine that powered the T1. The battery integrated into the floor of the sandwich structure and the lightweight electric drive system provide excellent weight distribution and a low center of gravity, optimizing handling and agility.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged using 11 kW AC current at a wall box or public charging station. It can also be charged at up to 170 kW using the CCS plug connector at a DC fast-charging station, which can charge the battery from 5% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. In the future, the "Plug & Charge" function, which automatically authenticates the vehicle, will also be available via the ISO 15118 standard.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
For driver assistance, the standard "Car2X" local warning system identifies hazards in real-time by utilizing signals from other vehicles and transport infrastructure. The "Front Assist" emergency braking function and "Lane Assist" lane-keeping assistant are also standard. The software has also been updated; the optional "Travel Assist" utilizing swarm intelligence data enables partial autonomous driving at all speed ranges and assists with lane changes on highways. A "memory function" for automatic parking on previously saved routes has also been newly added.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
The ID. Buzz models are produced in a carbon-neutral manner at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles' main plant in Hanover, Germany. Sales will begin this fall in several European countries, with pre-orders starting in May. In the United States and Canada, the ID. Buzz marks the return of the vehicle affectionately known as the "Microbus."
