Modern Freedom: Volkswagen Officially Reveals Its ID.Buzz Electric Van

• by Kris Cook
• March 10, 2022
• 3 min read

The production version of the ID.Buzz has officially been unveiled in Hamburg, Germany. A popular option in the 1960s, the updated version retains certain elements that made the original great, while leaving enough room for innovation.

Refined & Robust: The launch version of the highly anticipated electric van is better than expected © Credit to Volkswagen

It finally happened. After teasing it for several years, Volkswagen has officially revealed its ID.Buzz, a fully-electric van that is part throwback, part innovation.

The ID.Buzz will be available in in two models, a passenger version and a cargo version for commercial use. The passenger version will also be offered in both a long and short wheelbase, with the shorter wheelbase to be sold in Europe.

The ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo will launch in select European countries this autumn, joining other electric models in VW’s ID electric range. A range that includes the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.6.

Volkswagen had originally revealed a concept version of the ID.Buzz at the Detroit Show back in early 2017. A lot of that original concept has been retained in the newer version shown, only the production version is a lot more refined.

“The ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. A car, the likes of which only Volkswagen can build,” said Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars.

“In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving. With this car, we are bringing together the core themes of our ACCELERATE strategy in one product for the first time.”

What’s more, the ID.Buzz will be used for future autonomous mobility services. For example, MOIA, a ride-sharing provider in Hamburg, Germany, and a subsidiary of VW, will be using these electric transporters at some point.

In terms of spec/performance, the ID.Buzz and ID.Cargo will come with a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a current to a 150 kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels.

When plugged into a DC charger, the battery found in these vehicles can go from 5% to 80% in around half an hour or so. VW plans to increase its charging efforts in future once more with a ‘Plug & Charge’ function.

The battery itself is positioned low in the floor to help with the electric van’s handling and agility. It has 200 horsepower and 230 lb ft of torque. It’s important to note that this is the specs of all European versions of the vehicle.

The American version will likely be a lot higher. When will this version launch? Right now, VW have given no clear answer. Although, 2024 seems likely.

It’s finally here, and it’s better than expected. We’ve included the world premiere of the ID.Buzz above for those that missed it. Let us know in the comments below what you make of all this.

Kris Cook

Hey, I’m Kris, a Junior Content Strategist at E4TP. At the moment I live in the world of EVs, keeping up on current trends in the space, and delivering quality content. I’m a creative type both inside and outside of work, in that I write poetry in my spare time, design independent zines, and paint. When I’m not knee deep in any of that, I collect vinyl (my collection has around 150 LPs in it), and enjoy spending time with pals outdoors, mostly on a bike — or in another country.

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