The market for new electric vehicles is booming. In fact, the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders has recently warned that the growth is so fast that it threatens to outstrip the existing charging infrastructure. This doesn’t seem to be stopping the VW Buzz.
Today, around a fifth of all new vehicles sold are electric. We can expect this figure to rise substantially over the coming years, especially considering that the government intends to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
What are manufacturers doing?
Disruptors like Tesla have helped to popularise this new technology. But many of the established European manufacturers have launched their own electric offerings. For a case in point, we need only consider German motoring giant Volkswagen and its standout new model: the ID Buzz.
Volkswagen has recently increased its electric vehicle production capacity to drive down lead times on new orders. It’s doing this with the help of a new German site at Emden and existing plants in China and the US. Volkswagen has hopes for a return on the investment and, in the Buzz and other vehicles like it, has reasonable cause to feel optimistic.
The Buzz in detail
To avoid the obvious pun, the Buzz has created quite a stir since its announcement. It seeks to invoke the type-2 bus, which became a symbol of the counterculture during the 1960s, but with modern aesthetics and performance. In Europe, it will be launched in two versions, one of which will come with a longer wheelbase. It’s based on the popular MEB (modular electric drive matrix) platform found on the Audi E-Tron and the VW ID.4 SUV. Recently, the vehicle has sold out in Norway, with the country becoming its top buyer.
One of the standout features of the ID Buzz is its spacious interior, with room for up to eight passengers and ample cargo space. The electric van also boasts a long range of up to 600 kilometres (373 miles) on a single charge, making it a practical option for longer journeys.
In addition, the ID Buzz is equipped with autonomous driving technology, allowing it to operate without human intervention in certain situations. The vehicle can also be charged to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger, making it convenient for drivers on the go.
Notably, the electric powertrain of the ID Buzz produces zero emissions, making it an eco-friendly transportation option compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
While the vehicle has sold out in Norway, it is set to be released in other countries in the coming years. With its unique features, the VW ID Buzz electric van will likely continue attracting attention as a practical and stylish transportation option for those interested in eco-friendly vehicles.
All of these features have combined to earn the vehicle considerable plaudits from the motoring press, culminating in receiving the prestigious, What Car? Car of the Year Award.
Praise for the Buzz
The publication claimed that the buzz has successfully married ‘the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and refinement of a premium SUV’. The only drawbacks mentioned in the review were the lack of a seven-seater option, the overly fiddly dashboard controls, and the energy efficiency. It remains an excellent choice for those in the market for a premium electric SUV.
Those in the market for a new Volkswagen, whether it’s a Buzz or anything else, might consider VW gap insurance. This will protect you against sudden depreciation, and it’ll tend to make an excellent match for long-term finance, where, during the initial few months, you’re at risk of going into negative equity in the event of a write-off.
While there’s reason to be cautious about the battery electric vehicle, vehicles like the Buzz offer plenty to get excited about. Just be sure that you have somewhere to charge it.
