The classic Kombi has been given an electric makeover, and it’s finally been locked in for Australia.
Production for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz people mover and ID. Cargo van set to touch down locally will start during 2024, with the first vehicles set to arrive late in 2024 or early in 2025.
“The ID.Buzz is a people mover that stops traffic, people stop, stare and smile. It’s an incredible blend of style and function that will capture the imagination of Australians – and is reflected by our ambitious sales volumes,” said Volkswagen Australia commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies.
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Currently, all ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo models are rear-wheel drive and use a 77kWh (net) lithium-ion battery and a single, rear-mounted electric motor with 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque.
Range is up to 425km on the WLTP cycle and it can be charged at up to 11kW using AC power or 170kW on a DC fast charger.
Volkswagen also quotes a payload of up to 650kg for the ID. Buzz Cargo.
The van can seat two or three occupants, while the ID. Buzz people mover has a second row of seating but no third despite the presence of cupholders and padded areas in the load area.
When they touch down, the pair will enter a small (but growing) pool of electric vans and people movers. On the van front, the ID. Cargo will go head-to-head with the Ford E-Transit Connect, along with the Mercedes-Benz eVito.
LDV also offers the larger eDeliver 9 locally, and Peugeot is gearing up to launch the e-Partner in Australia.
Volkswagen is aiming to differentiate the ID. Cargo from that pack by pointing out the fact it’s a dedicated EV, rather than a diesel van that’s been converted to electric power.
In terms of electric people movers, there’s the LDV MIFA 9 and Mercedes-Benz EQV.
The range will soon expand to include dual-motor all-wheel drive GTX models, plus an extended-length three-row body style. A second all-wheel drive option with less power and no GTX branding will be available in some markets.
Volkswagen Australia has previously said it wants both the GTX and three-row model, noting around 30 per cent of T6.1 sales – which includes the current Multivan – are of all-wheel drive models and that a three-row variant is a “no brainer”.
The ID. Buzz and Cargo will be sold alongside the ID.3, ID.4, and ID.5 also confirmed for a 2024 arrival.
