Creating a buzz

11 hours. Buzz Cargo can be charged at DC fast-charging stations at up to 170 kW. In this case, the battery is charged up from 5 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

Performance

The electric motor is integrated into the driven rear axle and develops a power output of 204 PS. 310 Nm of torque delivers enough power to reach 62 mph in 10.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph.

Four driving modes are offered: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. There’s also a B regeneration function, so once you are in Drive D, twist once more to engage this. It works really well, slowing you down when you take your foot off the accelerator, extending range.

Behind the wheel

The Buzz Cargo is without a doubt the easiest medium-sized van you can drive. It’s equipped with all of the same functions, physical switches and buttons as the ID car range, making it a large car driving experience.

The driver’s seat is supportive and comfortable, the steering wheel multi-adjustable and a good driving position is easy to find. Reaching and selecting the gears is easier than in the ID cars and the clutter-free dash is a design dream.

Riding on standard 18” steel wheels, the ride is excellent, with the battery weight evenly spread out to encourage the Cargo to grip the road, especially at corners.

Head onto the motorway and everything is serene. Select cruise control to 62mph and the Buzz Cargo will eat up the miles in almost silence and not drain your battery too quickly either. Driver and front passengers get plenty of head and legroom and all of the controls, including the dash-top drinks holder, are easily reached from the driver’s seat.

Real world driving range

We only travelled 75 miles in the Buzz Cargo, mostly on B roads, some A roads and a stretch of the M40. Our Cargo range showed 231 miles when we climbed aboard and after utilising the B regeneration function at a steady 62mph, the range left was 172 miles, so pretty impressive. We’d commit to an average range of 200 miles, 250 in warmer weather and 160 in colder weather.

Pros

Quite easily the best looking van you can buy. Brilliantly bolted together with on-trend tech and connectivity. It’s also relaxing and easy to drive and gives a comfortable ride.

Cons

It’s an EV so the range is less than on a diesel. The battery and weight eat into the rear load space, with only a 607kg or 592kg (Commerce Plus ) payload. In comparison, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric has a 1,000kg payload on it’s 75kWh battery offering.

CC&V VERDICT

It will divide opinion: Very good electric range but compromised by its carrying capacity which is lower than the Citroen e-Berlingo or Fiat e-Doblo. That misses the point: the ID.Buzz Cargo is the first electric van that puts style over substance. Refreshingly different

CC&V RATING: N N N N N