Next year, the electric people-mover will be available in production.
Volkswagen’s much-anticipated ID was unveiled on January 8, 2017. The Detroit Auto Show’s Buzz concept was used to announce an all-electric version of the Microbus, a symbol for the zero-emissions future. Now, it’s September 6, 2021 and the production version of the Microbus is not yet ready for prime-time. However, VW’s Commercial Division is offering the best glimpse yet at the highly anticipated electric van.
The ID. The ID. Although the EV is fully camouflaged, its wrap is so thin that it doesn’t conceal much. The black tape covering the taillights and headlights leaves little room for imagination.
The production version will look very different from the concept shown below. It’s a commercial vehicle, so it has to look boxy on wheels. However, some will argue that some of the retro VW magic was added to the original ID. Buzz has been lost in translation. It’s best to wait until the complete debut before making any judgements about the final design.
Keep in mind the ID. The Buzz version featured here is the “AD”, which means it was developed with Argo AI in order to support a highly sophisticated autonomous driving system. The prototype can detect objects up to 400m (1,300ft) away thanks to the multitude of cameras and sensors scattered all over it.
The roof’s large LIDAR scanner provides 360-degree view. It is complemented with six smaller LIDAR scanners and 11 radar panels. Cameras and microphones are also available. The embedded software can predict pedestrians and bicyclists’ actions, as well as change their ID. Buzz will respond to the situation and act as though there is a human driving behind it.
The ID. The Buzz AD is currently being tested in urban areas. It will be available for commercial mobility service in 2025. MOIA is a mobility company that was launched in 2016 and is owned by Volkswagen Group. It will be available for autonomous ride-sharing in Hamburg.
The electric van will not feature the driverless technology and will be on sale in Europe late next year. It will come in a six-seater passenger configuration, as well as a cargo configuration. There will also be a short or long wheelbase option. The ID is coming to the United States. Buzz is also available, but it will be a long-wheelbase passenger vehicle starting in 2023.
The ID will be made in Hanover, Germany. Buzz will be riding on the modular MEB platform, which has been used in all ID models. It should offer both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations with single and dual motor setups. The most powerful models could produce around 300 horsepower, while the entry-level model can manage 200 horsepower.