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| Volkswagen introduces the ID Buzz mini electric bus |
After five exciting years, German automaker Volkswagen has unveiled its ID Buzz electric minivan in a virtual event for the first time.
ID Buzz and its business partner ID Buzz Cargo will be coming to Europe later this year, with a longer wheelbase version for the US market expected to launch in 2023 and go on sale in 2024.
ID Buzz has played an important role in Volkswagen's ongoing transformation into a leader in electric vehicles. Microbus as a demonstration of MEB's modular electrical engineering. It is also one of the first electric trucks to be sold exclusively to private homes.
The minivan has been slightly updated compared to the concept model released in 2017. The front grille is slightly different and the air intakes are larger than you would normally expect from an electric car. The general shape is square with sharp corners.
But Volkswagen sticks with the original design, because it offers the electric truck a total of 11 different colors.
The first European version of the ID Buzz has a battery with a capacity of 81 kW, of which 77 kW are available.
The rear hub motor can produce 201 hp. But the company limits the maximum speed to 145 kilometers per hour.
VW hasn't revealed the range, but all guesses are it's about 300 miles on a full charge. The AC charging power is 11 kW.
ID Buzz's charging power has been increased to 170 kW at DC fast charging stations. Volkswagen claims the minibus can be charged from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes.
According to Volkswagen, ID Buzz offers Plug & Charge, a standard that allows electric vehicles to automatically identify themselves and delegate them to third-party charging stations on the owner's behalf.
Volkswagen is reviving a minibus icon for the electric age
The German company is best known for its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which keeps internal combustion engine car owners at bay.
The European version of the truck and its commercial version are equipped with two-way charging, and the car can also be used as a power source for other devices or even for the whole house.
The standard ID Buzz comes with five seats, all of which are adjustable. The front seats can be moved forward and backward by up to 9.6 inches. The three-person rear seats can be folded or split in a 40:60 ratio. It's also movable and has an overall length of 5.9 inches.
Then Buzz ID featured a six-seater setup on the standard wheelbase. Seven seats are available with an extended wheelbase. The ID Buzz cargo version is more spacious, with a single front seat option and a fixed section for separate rear stowage.
The cockpit of the ID Buzz is similar to that of the ID 4, with a 10-inch instrument panel and a 10-inch central infotainment system. The car software can be updated wirelessly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The company emphasizes ID Buzz's interior modularity with a detachable and detachable center console. With this option, you can turn the center console into a multifunctional box that can be moved to the middle of the second row of seats.
There is plenty of space inside for a large number of devices, including a laptop. The ability to take the center console apart from cleaning is a big selling point for the home.
The ID Buzz is one of the most durable Volkswagen cars. Recycled materials are used for the leather-free interior.
The fabric is also made from 10% mixed ocean plastic and 90% recycled plastic bottles.