Volkswagen will build a production version of its electric I.D. Buzz Concept, which takes its cues from the venerable Microbus. The one-box people and cargo hauler is expected to be in dealerships by 2022 with its primary markets including the North America, China and Europe.
“After the presentations at the global motors shows in Detroit and Geneva, we received a large number of letters and emails from customers who said ‘please build this car’,” said VW CEO Dr. Herbert Diess in making the announcement during the Pebble Beach concours. “The Microbus has long been part of the California lifestyle. Now we’re bringing it back by reinventing it as an electric vehicle.”
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VW says the production model will position the battery pack beneath the floor and with the electric motors and power electronics not taking up as much space as a conventional engine, the I.D. Buzz will have a large, open cabin area. This will also allow the vehicle to incorporate many of the features seen on the concept, including multi-variable seating, interactive connectivity and highly automated driving.
Because of its ability to offer the room of a full-size SUV or van on a midsize platform, the I.D. Buzz will be offered in both passenger and commercial variants, the latter called the I.D. Buzz Cargo.
