Incoming

Volkswagen ID Buzz

It may be 21 years since the Microbus concept at the Geneva Show first appeared but the production vehicle that it inspired has now made its debut. The ID Buzz is Volkswagen’s first all-electric bus and van range, there will be no petrol or diesel variants. Van models are expected to go on sale this October

The eye-catching design draws on design cues from the ID.3 and ID.4 car models and also the Type 2 Transporter van launched in 1950 with its rounded front and high waistline. The ID Buzz Cargo, as the van variant will be known, appears to be a model that overlaps the physically smaller Caddy and the Transporter 6.1, with a payload of 600kg initially and 3.9m3 of cargo space, only marginally greater than the Caddy Maxi’s 3.7m3. There is more to come though, and a longer variant will be added to the range, although it is not yet clear when that will be. The wheelbase measures 2,988mm with minimal overhangs front and rear, so with the van launch scheduled for October, it will probably be 2023 at the earliest before the longer variants make an appearance.

Speaking of measurements, the ID Buzz Cargo will be 4,712mm long overall, around 1,938mm tall and 1,985mm wide (81mm wider than a Transporter T6.1). VW has not provided any further load area dimensions yet, but it will be able to accommodate two Europallets.

The batteries are set low in the sandwich construction floor, helping to keep the centre of gravity low. Both passenger and cargo variants are equipped with a 77kWh battery which drives a 150kW (201bhp) electric motor. Range is estimated at around 250 miles. Unusually, the motor drives the rear axle, similar to the original Type 2 Transporter. Without the restrictions of drive shafts to the front wheels, ID Buzz Cargo will offer a turning circle of 11.1m.

As you might expect, the batteries can be charged from a 7kW wall box or from a public rapid charge point. Using a DC rapid charger, VW claims that a battery with 5% charge remaining can be charged to 80% in 30 minutes. The vehicle is also equipped with a “Plug and Charge” function when it becomes available.

Using this system, ID Buzz would be able to take advantage of bi-directional charging, which would allow it to connect to a household electrical network and share unused energy, using a dedicated DC bi-directional wall box.

The cab will be available with either single or double passenger seat and finished in the black and greys familiar to van drivers. ID Buzz Cargo will feature a digital instrument display that moves with the reach and rake adjustable steering wheel. A large multifunction display, similar to that available in other VW LCVs, is mounted in the centre of the dashboard, incorporating satellite navigation controls, heating and ventilation and other functions. Features of the prototype model displayed include a locking glovebox and a variety of storage spaces in the cab.

As well as the “Plug and Charge” function, the latest generation ID software will

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT? Medium van HOW MUCH? £TBA LOAD VOLUME? 3.9m3 PAYLOAD? 600kg RANGE? c.250 miles DRIVE? 201bhp battery electric motor driving the rear wheels WHEN? October 2022

bring new assistance systems, including the “Car2X” local warning system, which will be fitted as standard. “Car2X” will use signals from other cars and from the transport infrastructure to warn of future hazards. “Travel Assist with swarm data” will be an option, permitting partially automated driving across the entire vehicle speed range and assisted lane changing on the motorway for the first time. Another feature will be a memory function for automated parking on a previously saved route.

Van Fleet World will bring you further information on the ID Buzz Cargo closer to the launch date.

THE CONFERENCE

SUSTAINABILITY

DECARBONISING THE FLEET Natasha Robinson, Joint Head – Office for Zero Emissions

USING DATA TO GO GREEN David Savage – vice president UK & Ireland, Geotab

DRIVE TO ZERO Joshua Hooper – product category manager, Northgate

MOBILITY/LOGISTICS

GETTING THINGS RIGHT POST-COVID Simon Turner – campaign manager, Driving for Better Business

THE HUMAN FACTORS OF RISK Rebecca Ashton – head of policy & research, IAM Roadsmart

STAYING CONNECTED & MOBILE Paul Tarsey – IoT solutions consultant, Aeris

FUTURE OF FLEET

TO 2030, AND BEYOND Ian Featherstone – account manager supply chain, Energy Saving Trust

MAKING TELEMATICS WORK, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE Matthew Newman – Trakm8

CHARGING UP THE FLEET Catherine Bowen – senior policy advisor, BVRLA

ELECTRIC VEHICLE

CHANGING THE EV NARRATIVE David Watts – commercial manager UK & Ireland, Arrival

TRANSITIONING TO AN ELECTRIC FLEET Alex Potts – head of sales, BP Pulse

ZERO = HERO... SALARY SACRIFICE Thom Groot – CEO, Electric Car Scheme

Don’t miss out!! 29 MARCH 2022