Friday, March 15, 2024

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New Volkswagen ID Buzz Electric Microbus

VW’s much anticipated ID Buzz has finally been unveiled to the world in a recent virtual event. As a recreation of the iconic hippie van of the ’60s, this all-electric microbus has a similar design to the classic Volkswagen Type 2. Although that is where the similarity ends as this van is packed with tech and modern features.

Production is scheduled to begin later this year with deliveries in Europe starting in autumn 2022. The US market can expect to see the ID Buzz debut in 2023 and be on sale in showrooms from early 2024. Other versions like the ID Buzz Camper and the self-driving model are expected to arrive in 2025.

Under the Hood

All the ID Buzz types are being developed with a modular electric drive matrix (MEB) system that will deliver more power and extend their range above similar electric vehicles. The rear-wheel-drive system has a 201-horsepower motor that will deliver a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h).

The battery has a capacity of 77 kWh and will also feature 170 kW DC charging. This means that the van can be charged from 5 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.

Another great feature of the European model is the capacity for bi-directional charging. This means you can use your ID Buzz battery to power your household appliances and in theory, could even return power back into the grid. This could mean a future where you can charge your van during the day with cheap electricity and then feed that power back into your home during the evening.

A Sneak Peek Inside

Volkswagen has made a concerted effort to reduce the environmental impact of producing the ID Buzz. The interior upholstery is all made without any animal products but it’s still super comfy to relax against when sitting in the back looking for big dollar casino bonus codes on your mobile. VW has also used polyurethane to make the steering wheel, rather than traditional leather.

Some of the other interior features, like the headliner and floor coverings, have been made with recycled marine plastic and water bottles. By using these recycled materials, they have been able to reduce the amount of carbon emitted by 32% compared with standard materials.

The interior of the ID Buzz is spacious and comfortable with seating for five and just under 40 square feet of cargo space. With high seat positions, you get a great view out the large windows and all the seats come with armrests and USB charging ports.

The driver has a fully digital instrument panel with a 5.30-inch display and there is an additional 12-inch entertainment touchscreen. Driver-assist systems include a data link via the cloud which connects to other VWs and provides traffic updates and warns you about upcoming hazards.

Perhaps the most remarkable driver assist feature is the memory function. This allows the ID Buzz to learn and remember difficult maneuvers, like negotiating your steep driveway or tight parking lots. Once you have shown it how to do these it can do them automatically with no driver inputs needed.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but this next-generation VW van is sure to be in high demand once it goes on sale.

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