VW I.D. Buzz Cargo Concept Previews All-Electric Van With 550Km Range

Volkswagen’s all-electric I.D. family will include a commercial vehicle as well, and it will be called the I.D. Buzz Cargo.

Unveiled in concept form at the Hannover CV Show, the new I.D. model is technically based on the modular electric drive kit (MEB) and stylistically based on the I.D. Buzz people carrier, also known as the new Bulli. In fact, the electric van looks just like the Bulli, except it doesn’t have any lateral windows behind the front doors.

Another difference is the rear overhang extended by 106 mm (4.2 inches) to allow for a bigger cargo compartment. In terms of size, the I.D. Buzz Cargo concept mirrors the Transporter. It’s 5,048-mm (198.7-in) long, 1,976-mm (77.8-in) wide, and 1,963-mm (77.3-in) high, with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm (129.9-in).

The first commercial vehicle based on the I.D. family promises “extremely good space” and a fully digitalized cargo system, which brings the fastest “Internet of Things” onboard according to VW.

The cargo compartment features an “electrified” shelving system developed for service installers and maintenance technicians. The system offers connectivity with a functional control unit for the user, allowing for the implementation of the job and ordering system. For example, all items on the shelves can be tracked and if someone needs an item, they can have it delivered automatically. The doors open electrically, and the shelving system can be customized.

The I.D. Buzz Cargo also offers the fully automated driving mode I.D. Pilot (level 4) and driving ranges from approximately 330 km (205 miles) to more than 550 km (342 miles) in the WLTP cycle. The ranges depend on the battery size and specific model version and can be extended by as much as 15 km (9.3 miles) a day thanks to the solar module on the roof. VW says compatible battery packs have between 48 kWh and 111 kWh.

The concept on display in Hannover features a 150-kW (204 PS/201 hp) electric motor that drives the rear axle and a 48-kWh lithium-ion battery which allow it to reach an electronically-limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). An all-wheel-drive system like the one in the I.D. Buzz could be offered as well.

While the I.D. Buzz is expected to go into production in 2022, the Cargo version may arrive as early as 2021.