Volkswagen unveiled the I.D. Buzz, its concept of an all-electric, self-driving microbus.
The electric rebirth of the classic microbus was presented at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
The I.D. Buzz has eight seats, a driving range of 270 miles, and can produce as much as 369 horsepower from two electric motors, according to the German automaker.
It can switch from manual driving into a fully automated ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode via “a gentle push on the steering wheel”.
At a charging power of 150 kW, it only takes around half an hour for the I.D. Buzz battery to charge up to 80%.
The vehicle’s surrounding area is monitored by laser scanners, ultrasound sensors, radar sensors, area-view cameras and a front camera, while other traffic data is received via the Cloud.
“The I.D. BUZZ is the next generation MPV. It is based on the new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) and provides comfort and loads of space for long journeys. Its electric range as per the NEDC is up to 600 kilometres”, explained Dr Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand for the Development Division.
The unveiling of the I.D. Buzz comes four months after VW announced a smaller, more compact electric car at the Paris Motor Show: the VW I.D – a fully electric car with a 373 mile range that will launch as of 2020.
Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, said: ” The I.D. BUZZ stands for the new Volkswagen: modern, positive, emotional, future-orientated.
“By 2025, we want to sell one million electric cars per year, making e-mobility the new trademark of Volkswagen. The new e-Golf2 already offers 50 percent more electric range.
“From 2020 onwards we will then launch our I.D. family, a new generation of fully electric, fully connected cars. It will be affordable for millions, not just to millionaires.”