VW ID. Buzz is Electric Retro Perfection
After teasing us with microbus concept after concept for more than twenty years, Volkswagen has finally revealed a production-ready version of the all-electric ID. Buzz van, and it’s a pitch-perfect remix of nostalgia for the old Type II microbus!
As exciting as this is, it’s not for US buyers. That van will be released in a few months, and is expected to be a bit longer, with 3 rows of seats standard. What we have here, then, is the European version(s) of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. But don’t fret, they’ll teach us a lot.
VW says the cockpit of its ID. Buzz electric van will be both high-tech and ergonomic. As standard, a 10-inch Digital Cockpit display is paired with a 10-inch infotainment system that is positioned centrally in the dashboard. A 12-inch display with navigation is optional. Both the Digital Cockpit and infotainment system are connected with the instrument panel only at the bottom, looking like free floating tablets.
Consumer versions of the ID. Buzz pack a high-voltage lithium-ion battery that provides a “gross energy content” of 82 kWh (77 kWh net), and sends power to a 201 horsepower electric motor that drives the rear axle (just like the original!). Maximum torque of 229 lb-ft is instantly available, of course, and the top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph. Charging power on AC (at home) is 11 kW, with DC fast-charging at 170 kW. With DC-fast charging, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes (though 80% of what remains to be seen, as driving range isn’t mentioned).
The Look is Perfect