The Volkswagen debuts its new I.D Buzz Cargo concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
An electric drive system and a fully automated driving mode have transformed the I.D. Buzz into the transporter of a new era. Visually, it also transfers the design of the legendary Bulli, aka the Microbus, into the future.
Production for 2022
It impresses with long ranges, maximum space utilisation and a digitalised cargo compartment which automatically reports its inventory to the warehouse online to initiate reordering. The model is expected to go into production in 2022.
READ: VW going back in to time to revive the iconic Microbus now as an electric model
Another product, which is also being presented in a US premiere in California, will already arrive on the market in 2019: the Cargo eBike – an innovative, electric cargo three-wheeler for the city.
New technologies enable new forms of mobility. The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand is making its entry into a new era of driving with the I.D. BUZZ: not only will the all-electric and digital Bulli enable autonomous driving and deliveries of goods in the foreseeable future – even in zones with entry restrictions.
Positioned between the Caddy and T-model, it will also tap into new markets and opportunities.
Possible global success
"With the Buzz Cargo, we are ultimately launching Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles into the new age of electric mobility and autonomous driving," says Dr Thomas Sedran, Chairman of the Brand Board of Management.
"This car has great potential for global success as a zero-emission transporter. This design icon is also giving electric mobility an unmistakable face," he adds.
Image: Newspress
The Buzz Cargo concept is the first van to be based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB). An important technical property of the MEB is the scalability of its batteries so models can be delivered with different size batteries according to the vehicle's intended use.
This enables driving ranges from around 330km to more than 550km. This spread of ranges can also be transferred to the I.D. Buzz Cargo. A solar roof can also boost the driving range.
Image: Newspress
"The new eBike also illustrates how Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles takes a comprehensive view of electric mobility and the transformation of the automotive industry," Sedran adds.
"In the future, our electric programme will range from this ingenious, compact three-wheel cargo bike to models like the autonomously driving I.D. Buzz Cargo and the e-Crafter which has already been introduced in Europe and offers a maximum payload of 1.75 tonnes.
Image: Newspress
"The world is in motion. But what remains constant is the need for safe, efficient and convenient transportation of people and goods. That is what we want to provide," Sedran concludes.