New VW Microbus Coming By 2022
Many recall the Volkswagen (VW) Type 2 “Microbus”—a favorite among hippies during the 1960s. Over the years, the iconic vehicle, with just 30 horsepower, also became popular among surfers and families. Known as the Bus,
Camper, Kombi or Transporter, it was a forerunner of modern passenger vans.
We have worked on our share of Volkswagens over the years here at J & C Collision, so that's why we're sharing this blog with our readers in Ventura, CA.
Reminiscent of this legendary vehicle, VW announced in August during the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California that it would be manufacturing the I.D. Buzz, a modern-day Microbus. This version, however, will be electric.
The I.D. Buzz concept car was introduced in January 2017 during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. It has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Concept Car of the Year as part of Popular Mechanics’ Automotive Excellence Awards.
According to VW, I.D. stands for “Identity,” “Idea,” “Individual,” “Intelligent” and “Iconic Design.” BUZZ is a phonetic word that plays on the word “bus” and references the silent “buzzing” of the drive system.
It is anticipated that many of the designs used for the concept car, such as interactive connectivity, automated driving and multi-variable seating, will be incorporated into the production model.
The vehicle is expected to be released to dealerships in 2022. According to the German automaker, the plan is to sell the four-door compact vehicle in the United States, Europe and China.
What consumers can expect from the I.D. Buzz:
The vehicle is based on using a Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), which the company said allows for better space utilization. With the batteries mounted in the floor of the vehicle, the electric drive components don’t take up a lot of space so the I.D. Buzz offers a large car interior.
Designed to look modern and timeless, the next-generation vehicle has 22-inch wheels and near-zero body overhangs.
The I.D. Buzz will be built to carry passengers as well as freight. In addition to a minibus version, there will be a cargo option for those who carry goods.
With seating up to eight, the company said the electric all-wheel vehicle has a driving range of up to 270 miles and traction for any terrain with 369 horsepower.
VW said it will take 30 minutes for the all-electric vehicle to recharge approximately 80 percent of its energy capacity using a charging rate of 150 kW.
The company said that by 2025 they hope to sell one million of the I.D. Buzz and make “electric mobility the new trademark of Volkswagen.”
Sources: VW News, Yahoo and AOL
