The new model of Volkswagen ID. will have two versions, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. Both models will be presented on March 9, 2022. This new model will have a 150 kW rear synchronous electric motor and 310 Nm of torque. It will mount an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh net) and new technologies applied to this segment, both in charging, driving and connectivity.
The world premiere of the prototype ID. BUZZ(1) at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2017 was met with great acclaim around the world. This positive reaction meant that only one decision could be made: the prototype would go into series production. This was followed by five intensive years working on its development. Now the time has come: the ID. Buzz(1), an electric motor that will change the rules of the game, is ready. For this reason, Volkswagen is announcing the countdown to a double world premiere: On March 9, the fully electric emission-free Bulli will be presented simultaneously as the ID. Buzz and the Buzz Cargo.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is currently undergoing the final phase of testing the ID. Buzz. Right now, the pre-production fleet is touring Europe. These final tests are carried out in everyday conditions between Barcelona, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Hamburg and Hannover. Kai Grünitz, Director of Vehicle Development at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, points out: “Before starting full production of the ID. Buzz, these final tests with vehicles that almost match the final full production specification provide us with vital information for the final set-up.”
Expressive new design, inspired by the iconic T1
Now the prototypes ID. Buzz are only thinly undercover. In this way, it is becoming clear that the designers have rigorously carried over the style of the 2017 prototype to the final production version of 2022: the similarities are indisputable. Both versions of the ID. Buzz are inspired by the stylistic elements of the legendary T1, the original Bulli. Among these elements are the extremely short body overhangs, the maximum use of space in a minimum footprint, the classic division of the vehicle body design into an upper and lower level, as well as the unmistakable front with its shape of V. And just like the original Bulli, the ID. Buzz also comes with rear wheel drive.
Despite all the ties to the model line’s great history, the groundbreaking ID. Buzz gives a new face to the electric automotive industry. What has been created is a car without rival, as the ID. Buzz is not part of the commitment to a multi-wheel drive platform, but is an electric Bulli built from the ground up. Both versions of the ID. Buzz, be it the minibus or the van, are signs that their owners have made a wise decision regarding mobility, with which both private users and companies can counteract climate change.
The prototype based on the MEB platform allows a high degree of agility
Engineering-wise, the new model line is based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive (MEB) platform. The two versions of the ID. Buzz will launch this year with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing a gross energy content of 82 kWh (net: 77 kWh). The battery powers a 150 kW electric motor, integrated into the rear axle, which it also drives. Top speed is electronically limited to 145 km/h, but official range figures are not yet available. In fact, the new ID. Buzz is a very agile vehicle. On the one hand, the electric motor reaches its maximum torque of 310 Nm from start to stop. And on the other, to these dynamic components is added the fact that the vehicle body has a very low center of gravity, since the battery is located very low in the sandwich panels of the floor. By virtue of its design, the ID. Buzz has another advantage: the electric Bulli’s turning radius is just over 11 meters.
Maximum use of space and a wheelbase like that of the T6.1
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed a versatile structure based on the MEB platform that facilitates a particularly wide range of uses: with its five seats, the ID. Buzz is perfectly designed for professional use as well as for use in leisure activities. From the three-seater van ID. Buzz Cargo, an ultra-modern, zero-emission van is in the works. But that’s just the beginning. Over the next year, the product portfolio will be completed by a model with a longer wheelbase and a proportionally wider range of interior possibilities.
Notes on dimensions: The versions of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, with the standard wheelbase (2,988mm), launched this year is just 4,712mm long. For comparison: the wheelbase of the new ID. Buzz differs only two millimeters from that of the T6.1, which, however, has a total length of 4,904 mm. The ID. Buzz thus offers a similar internal length, but fits into smaller parking spaces. The minibus version, generously glazed on all sides, stands 1,937mm tall; while the van’s height is 1,938mm due to slight differences in the chassis (T6.1: 1,970mm). The two IDs Buzz are 1,985mm wide (excluding mirrors), making the new model 81mm wider than the T6.1. With wheels measuring from 18 to 21 inches, the new model lineup rolls on large wheels (750mm in diameter).
Lots of space for people, luggage and work
Thanks to the space-saving MEB concept, the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo make exceptional use of space.The ID. Five-seater Buzz has a capacity of up to 1,121 liters of luggage even with all seats occupied.The maximum load capacity of the ID. Buzz Cargo, which features a bulkhead behind the front seats, is over 3.9m3.
“Plug & Charge” and bidirectional charging
Smart charging solutions: With the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the “Plug & Charge” function in future. Using this function, the ID. Buzz can self-identify itself at many providers’ fast charging stations (DC) via the charging connector, exchanging all necessary data in this way – a much more convenient solution. And there will be one more novelty: bidirectional charging. This technology will open up a new range of possibilities, such as, for example, that from now on it will be possible to store excess energy from a house’s own solar panels in the ID. Buzz and return it to the home at night so that it is independent even without the sun.
Over-the-air updates and innovative support systems
In general, both with the ID. Buzz as with all models of the ID family. software updates can be downloaded wirelessly. These include both updates to the infotainment system and those related to charging or driver assistance features. The range of driver assistance systems includes innovative interconnected technologies, such as the new “Trained Parking” function (automatic maneuvers to enter and exit parking spaces), “Car2X” (warnings and alerts of danger in the vicinity) and the latest version of Travel Assist, which uses data from popular sources; the system facilitates forward and sideways steering in a partially automated manner throughout the entire speed range.
Launch in Europe in September
The production of the ID. Buzz will start in the first half of this year, with a European launch shortly after in the fall. The ID. Buzz will also be marketed in the United States, marking the return of the New York model line to San Francisco, which has been highly anticipated by many American fans.
The first precursor of the ID. Buzz debuted 50 years ago
It should be noted that the ID. Buzz is not the first Bulli with an electric drive system. 50 years ago, at the Hannover Messe, Volkswagen already presented a T2 as the first prototype powered by a rear-mounted electric motor. However, the maximum range of 85 kilometers showed that the battery technology was still far from adequate for practical use. But back then, in 1972, the dream was born: to build a zero-emission Bulli. Now, in 2022, it has become a reality.
