The new Volkswagen ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo was unveiled at the world premiere in Hamburg, Germany, and is Europe's premier all-purpose commercial and passenger car. "Both versions of ID Buzz are pioneers in sustainability, with their manufacturing and transportation being carbon neutral. In addition, we use recycled synthetic materials, and we did not use natural leather inside," said Carsten Intra, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The new Volkswagen Bulli electric is built at the VW plant in Hanover, Germany, based on the group's Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform. The first scalable mass production platform for all-electric cars allows for further evolutionary software and technology development, which benefits from new models such as ID Buzz and models already in operation through "over-the-air" updates.
The new Volkswagen ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo electric minivans are equipped with new systems and technical solutions. Thus, the basic configuration provides the local "Car2X" warning system, which uses signals from other vehicles and transport infrastructure to detect hazards in real-time. Also included in the standard are the "FrontAssist" emergency braking function, the minivan version, and the "Lane Assist" lane-keeping assistance system.
Optionally, "Travel Assist" can be added, which allows partially automated driving and, for the first time, assisted lane change on the highway, as well as "Memory function," for automatic parking on a previously saved route.
ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo will be equipped with a 77 kWh battery (gross energy content of 82 kWh), powering the 150 kW electric motor. The battery's position, integrated into the floor, and the light electric propulsion system result in good weight distribution and low center of gravity of the vehicle. This optimizes maneuverability and agility.
The lithium-ion battery can be charged from an 11 kW AC power source or, via a CCS connector, from a DC direct current charging station (DC) to a charging power of up to 170 kW. In the latter version, the battery is charged from 5 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Using the latest software, the new range of Bulli electric models will in the future also offer the "Plug & Charge" function, through which ID Buzz will authenticate to compatible DC fast-charging stations via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard.
ID Buzz drivers and passengers will experience driving the new Bulli in a spacious and comfortable interior. In the friendly lounge atmosphere of the MPV version, five people will enjoy generous space and a capacity of 1,121 l for luggage. In addition, if the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases to 2,205 l.
The new ID Buzz Cargo can be configured with two or three seats in front and a dividing wall between the cab and the cargo compartment, 3.9 m3. In addition, the electric cargo version can load two crossbars in a transverse position. The ID Buzz Cargo is a 2,988 mm long wheelbase, about the same as the current T6.1. The length of both versions is 4,712 mm; the height is 1,937 mm, and the width is 1,985 mm (81 mm wider than a T6.1).
The aerodynamic construction principle was maintained in the new generation. As a result, the coefficient of resistance to air friction was 0.285 in the case of ID Buzz and 0.29 for ID Buzz Cargo, which helps reduce energy consumption and increase autonomy.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will produce ID Buzz at its factory in Hanover. Likewise, most modules of the electric drive system will also be manufactured in Germany by Volkswagen Group's component division. In fact, since 2022, the Hanover plant has been one of VW's high-tech locations for the production of electric vehicles, where a transformation process has begun so that more electric models can be offered in the future.
European orders for ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo will begin in May, with the first deliveries due in the fall.
