Volkswagen's conquest for EV supremacy has seen it release an avalanche of cool-looking EVs and concepts. One of the most interesting has to be the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a retro throwback to VW buses of old, but with a massive dose of tech and eco-friendly features. While the American market gets ready for its very own elongated version of this EV bus, Volkswagen has already begun experimenting with different versions, including a handy pickup truck. Now Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a series of near-production-ready ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo concept vehicles that show just how versatile this EV can be.
ID. Buzz Flex-Cab Concept
The five concepts were revealed at IAA Transportation 2022 in Hanover, Germany, last week where 30 new models were on display and there's every chance the special Buzz models will become real-world vehicles in the future.
First up is the ID.Buzz Flex-Cab. This concept was born out of a collaboration with Dutch specialists Snoeks and features five seats in a cargo-spec van, effectively turning it into an electrified version of the Caravelle with cargo-carrying capabilities. The Flex-Cab is ideally suited as a shuttle taxi with an electrically adjustable and configurable three-person bench seat in the rear.
ID. Buzz Paramedic's Vehicle
Another massively exciting concept is the ID.Buzz paramedic's vehicle. This concept was brought to life by Bosenberg, who converted the ID.Buzz into a paramedic van with space for three in the back (presumably for two medics and a single patient). The cargo space has been designed to be used for medical storage and as a doctor's workspace and uses clever modular storage systems to maximize space. A cool feature is the separate battery system that runs the paramedic signals.
ID. Buzz Cargo With Box Body
The ID.Buzz Cargo with box body by Veth Automotive is basically an ID.Buzz featuring a box superstructure that increases the load capacity from 3.9 to 6.0 cubic meters and offers a payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. An added benefit, the sides and back of the box structure can be fitted with doors, roll-up shutters, or sliding doors. This version of the ID.Buzz is perfect for courier services, and the inside of the box features a hard-wearing non-slip floor.
ID.Buzz Cargo Refrigerated Vehicle
For those that need to transport refrigerated goods, the ID.Buzz Cargo refrigerated vehicle, converted by Wukaro, is an excellent alternative to traditional solutions. This cool vehicle is explicitly designed for last-mile deliveries. The cooling system features a low-profile 230V cooling unit on the roof with four lithium-ion batteries and an inverter. The batteries for the cooling unit are cleverly stored in the wheel arches of the van. The total payload capacity is 860 pounds, making it perfect for food deliveries.
ID. Buzz Cargo Miele ServiceVan
The final concept is the ID. Buzz Cargo Miele ServiceVan. This collaboration between CS/Wurth and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles was created for technicians and features a unique shelving system tailored for storing spare parts, materials, and tools for customer service personnel. A center console folding table serves as a surface for technicians to conduct services and repairs.
The ID.Buzz is an MEB-based vehicle and features a floor-mounted, high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a gross energy rating of 820 kilowatt-hours. Power is rated at 201 horsepower with 220 lb-ft of torque. Expect a range of 250 miles on standard versions.
