Electric Utility: Volkswagen Previews the I.D. Buzz Cargo

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

As the Microbus-inspired I.D. Buzz approaches production, Volkswagen has been careful to not stray too far from its roots. The original idea behind the 1950 Type 2 was the development of an economical vehicle that would be ideal for transporting cargo in an urban environment, but could also double as a people mover. While the Buzz places an emphasis on family togetherness and weekend adventures, VW claims there will also be a cargo variant focused on taking care of business.

Presented at the IAA Commercial Vehicles event in Hannover last week, the I.D. Buzz Cargo is that vehicle. Unfortunately, it’s not the final product. Its strong resemblance to the Buzz concept vehicle will probably carry over into production, but neither model will use a dot matrix of LEDs for forward illumination or do away with side mirrors. However, Volkswagen did more than just show off another concept. It included some meaningful specifications and a target launch date of 2021 for the electric transporter.

Unlike the passenger version, the Buzz Cargo utilizes a single sliding door at the rear to free up the other side for storage. The tailgate will also be modified to better accommodate oversized objects, meaning split doors should be available as an option if they aren’t the standard. It also replaces the family model’s panoramic glass roof with a solid sheet of metal that VW claims can be used as a platform for affixing solar panels, thus extending the van’s daily range by roughly 9 miles.

Since Volkswagen intends to use scalable battery sizes on all of its Modular Electric Drive Kit vehicles, it claims the maximum range of the model should sit somewhere between about 200 and 340 miles, using the newer WLTP cycle. However, VW did say that the Buzz could be capable of more when equipped with the biggest power core option. The automaker previewed the concept with a relatively small 48 kWh unit, but VW said a 111 kWh battery should be available.

With a 150-kW (201-horsepower) electric motor providing motivation, the Buzz Cargo probably won’t be soul-crushingly slow around town. But you might find it a drag on the Autobahn, as its top speed is electronically limited at 99 mph.

Additional features include a 230V outlet to power workers’ tools without the need of an additional generator, plus a digital cargo system that allows drivers and business owners to keep tabs on their route, load, and vehicle condition.

Similar in concept to VW’s e-Crafter, the I.D. Buzz Cargo is quite a bit smaller. The e-Crafter panel van launched with an overall length of 235.7 inches and a maximum payload of anywhere between 2,000 and 3,500 pounds, depending on how it’s outfitted. Meanwhile, this concept version of the Buzz is said to be 198.7 inches long, 77.8 inches wide, and 77.3 inches tall, with a maximum payload of just 1,760 pounds. Wheels are said to measure 20 inches with 235/55 tires — downsized slightly from the passenger variant, and boasting more rubber.

VW offered up plenty of tech talk, but we’re willing to wait on most of it. There’s no reason to assume VW’s promise of Level 4 autonomous driving will be ready to tackle urban environments by launch. However, Volkswagen might incorporate the concept’s keyless entry setup, which integrates a digital key into the operator’s smartphone. All we really care about is whether or not VW decides to keep the concept’s front bench.

Volkswagen says production could begin on the Buzz Cargo as early as 2021. Expect it to undergo some moderate changes before then. The automaker intends to grow EV sales as quickly as possible over the coming years, aiming to sell 150,000 electric cars globally in 2020 and a million of them annually by 2025. Both versions of the Buzz are expected to contribute heavily toward that extremely ambitious goal.

[Images: Volkswagen Group]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • NeilM NeilM on Sep 25, 2018

    So how does frontal crash protection work with this thing? Nobody cared back in the old Microbus days, but that was then.

    • Garak Garak on Sep 26, 2018

      The seats are quite far back compared to the original hippie vans, so the production version probably has pretty regular crash performance.

  • TDIandThen.... TDIandThen.... on Sep 26, 2018

    Rough price range? Is this a lease mobile targeted at cute local businesses? I assume contractors will stick to minivans, or Sprinters for the fancy contractors.

  • FreedMike This is before Cadillac styling went full scale nutty...and not particularly attractive, in my opinion.
  • JTiberius1701 Middle of April here in NE Ohio. And that can still be shaky. Also on my Fiesta ST, I use Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires for the winter and Bridgestone Potenza for my summer tires. No issues at all.
  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
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