It’s coming to America. Eventually.
Since Volkswagen removed the ID cover, it has been a long wait. We waited patiently for the final production version to its electric bus, Buzz concept. Today, the ID officially debuts. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. This latter will not be available in the United States. However, the passenger version of the car will be available here in 2024. We’ll get to that in a moment, but let’s first discuss the “new face” of sustainability mobility at Volkswagen.
The ID is visible from the outside. Buzz doesn’t appear to be all that innovative from the outside. The overall shape and proportions of the 2017 concept are very similar to that of the 2017 model. This was heavily inspired from a Volkswagen concept van 21 years ago. The front fascia of the production model is, as usual, less futuristic than the 2017 prototype. Despite its bright appearance, the VW T1’s original VW T1 had a short body overhang. This helps the vehicle remain compact (185.5/4712 millimeters in standard wheelbase form).
Because the electric drive system is so simple, there’s no need to have a large engine compartment. This allows for ID. Buzz will retain the van’s original one-box shape. Another nod to T1 is the two-tone finish that covers portions of the front fascia. The LED lights are found throughout the vehicle, including the back, where they connect by a coast to coast light strip. This is a first for a VW commercial vehicle.
The interior of the zero emission bus benefits from the MEB architecture. It has five seats in its standard length option. The first row of seating has two individual seats and adjustable armrests. A side thorax and a driver’s airbag are integrated into each seat’s backrests. The new center airbag is located in the driver’s seat. It protects the front-seat passenger and the driver from being hit in the event of an accident. Each seat can be adjusted forward and backward up to 9.6 inches (245mm). There is a bench seat behind them that can be adjusted to accommodate three people.
A six-seat model will be made with two rows of three seats each. This version will be available later in the model’s lifetime. The extended wheelbase model, which will be sold in the United States beginning in 2024, will also be available in seven-seat configuration with a 2-3-2 seating arrangement. This initial ID can be folded down to the rear seats. Buzz can hold upto 39.6 cubic feet (1.121 liters), of cargo. However, there is no frunk. Side note: Volkswagen will offer a nonanimal material in place of traditional leather.
You’ll feel familiar with the dashboard if you’ve driven one of Volkswagen’s ID electric cars. Buzz. Buzz. A standard 10-inch screen is available, while a larger 12-inch option is also available. Both screens “look like free-floating tablet” and are located below the center display.
The ID will be launched on the market. The market launch of the ID is set for later in the year. European customers will have , a single 82.0-kWh (77.0kWh net) battery option. Official figures show that the Old continent’s electric motor produces 201 horsepower (154 Kilowatts) as well as 229 pound-feet (311 Newton-meters) in instant torque. These figures are consistent with the current VW ID. Volkswagen has not yet announced range numbers, but these will be revealed at a later time. Starting next year, more battery models and higher power output levels will become available.
Maximum charging power is 11.0 kW when the AC station is plugged in. A CCS connector at a DC station can charge rates up to 170.0kW. A fast-charging station will take around 30 minutes to recharge the battery from 5 to 80 percent. European customers will be able use the optional bi-directional charging function to charge their batteries.
The ID. The ID. Buzz will be available in passenger and cargo versions in Europe during the third quarter. The long-wheelbase model will debut in Europe next year. A US debut and market launch will follow in 2023 or 2024. The American electric bus will be slightly longer than the European model and have a wheelbase of 3.0 inches more. The production of the ID will be handled by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The ID is produced at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Hannover plant. This plant has an automation level up to 90%.