Volkswagen has introduced a new concept vehicle named I.D. Buzz ahead of its public debut at the Detroit Auto Show. Shown at CES previous year, the Budd-e used a 95kWh lithium-ion battery. All these teasers make it hard to take the electric microbus concept as a serious production vehicle. And what tech the company wants in its vehicles. I know that it’s still in its infancy, but a concept like the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Concept probably wouldn’t have been considered five years ago.
Advertisement
Battery range is given as between 270 and 373 miles – with a 30-minute boost charge providing an 80% recharge thanks to inductive technology. “Instead of the round headlights used in the original model, in designing the I.D. Buzz we opted for slender LED systems, which not only turn night into day, but also interactively communicate with other road users and pedestrians”.
Like the I.D., the Buzz was designed with autonomous driving – called I.D. Pilot mode in Volkswagen-speak – in mind.
With the electric motors, Volkswagen says that the I.D Buzz Concept can be configured either as front wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Its measurements were said to be 194.6 inches for its length, would be 77.8in wide, and 77.3in tall with a wheelbase of only 129.9in. Volkswagen hasn’t announced any official timeline for production of its autonomous all-electric vehicles, and it’s safe to say that the cars that eventually make it to VW dealer lots won’t have the same over-the-top design cues as the concepts. Volkswagen’s settlement, which was approved by a federal judge in October, calls for $1.2 billion for federal zero-emission vehicle research and $800 million to help fund similar efforts in California, which helped catch the German automaker.
VW teased the release of the I.D. Buzz leading up CES 2017, where they brought along the I.D hatchback as a display model.
Volkswagen’s latest concept sees a modern interpretation of the iconic Bus. VW does suggest that the adaptability of the electric drivetrain – the motor installation is modular – means less expensive, rear-wheel drive cars with lower range could be sold depending on market requirements. This concept auto features an 111 kWh battery that can be charged to 80 percent of its capacity within 30 minutes using the Combined Charging System (CCS). The driver can theoretically ignore their surroundings as lasers, radar and ultrasonic sensors monitor the Buzz’s surroundings.
Moving inside, there’s room for eight persons and everyone can become a simple passenger if the I.D. Pilot autonomous mode is enabled. The seating can also be turned into a variety of footrests and beds, as desired.
Advertisement
A slight push on the bizarrely shaped steering wheel causes it to retract into the dashboard, and decouple from the steering gear. The company has also revealed its thought process behind the tag “I.D”.
