The Bus is Back

TGR Staff - 03/09/2022

Volkswagen has released images of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, which launched later this year in selected countries in Europe and will be coming to the US at some point in the near future. Inspired by the classic VW Microbus the ID. Buzz will only be offered as all-electric and is powered by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh. With its twelve modules, the battery system supplies a 201 horsepower electric motor, which drives the rear axle. Maximum torque of 229 lb-ft is instantly available and the top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph. More battery versions with various power output levels are expected to follow in 2023.

The floor-mounted battery pack gives the ID. Buzz agile handling for a vehicle of its size. The charging power when using alternating current (AC) is 11 kW. Via a CCS plug connector at a DC fast-charging station (direct current), the charging power increases to as much as 170 kW. With DC-fast charging, the battery charge level rises from 5 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Using the latest software, the ID. Buzz model line will offer the Plug & Charge function in the future.

For Europe, bi-directional charging will enable the new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo to feed power that they don’t need into the domestic grid (vehicle-to-home). In the future, this can also make the power available for stabilizing the grid. The power transfer and communication take place via an optional DC bi-directional wall box.

The cockpit of the ID. Buzz is 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. Beneath the infotainment system is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders. The touch sliders are used to regulate temperature and volume, while the buttons provide direct access to menus for the dual-zone Climatronic® HVAC settings, driver assists systems, driving profiles, and parking functions.

QUICK FACTS – the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo

European models:

ID. Buzz (five-seater)
ID. Buzz Cargo (van, three seats in the front)

Important anticipated dates

Start of European ID. Buzz Cargo production: first half of 2022
Start of European ID. Buzz production: first half of 2022
European launch (initial countries): third quarter of 2022
Start of advance sales in Europe (initial countries): May 2022
North American debut of long-wheelbase: 2023
North American sales launch: 2024
Technical platform

External dimensions

Width excluding wing mirrors: 1,985 mm (78.1 in)
Height:
ID. Buzz: 1937 mm (76.3 in)
ID. Buzz Cargo: 1,938 mm (76.3 in)
Length: 4,712 mm (185.5 in)
Wheelbase: 2,988 mm (117.6 in)
Load sill:
ID. Buzz: 619 mm (24.4 in)
ID. Buzz Cargo: 623 mm (24.5 in)

Cargo space

ID. Buzz: up to 1,121 liters (39.6 cu ft)
ID. Buzz Cargo: 3.9 cubic meters (137.7 cu ft), room for two euro pallets

Drive system

Type: all-electric rear-wheel drive
Max. power: 150 kW (201 horsepower)
Max. torque: 310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Battery capacity: 82 kWh gross, 77 kWh net
AC charging power (alternating current): 11 kWh
DC charging power (direct current) at fast-charging stations: up to 170 kWh
Driving performance and turning circle
Top speed: 145 km/h, electronically limited (90 mph)
Driving range: to follow at a later date
Turning circle: just over 11 meters (36.4 ft)

Sustainability

Zero-tailpipe emission electric drive system
Leather replaced by non-animal material
Use of partially recycled materials in seat covers, floor coverings, and roof liner

Colors

Non-metallic: ‘Candy White’
Metallic: ‘Mono Silver’, ‘Lime Yellow’, ‘Starlight Blue’, ‘Energetic Orange’ and ‘Bay Leaf Green’
Pearl-effect: ‘Deep Black’
Two-tone: ‘Candy White’ in combination with ‘Lime Yellow’, ‘Starlight Blue’, ‘Energetic Orange’ or ‘Bay Leaf Green