Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ electric MPV concept

09 Jan 2017

Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ

The Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ electric MPV concept is a zero emission, all-wheel drive, electric MPV with 8 seats and a 370 mile range. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s Chairman says the brand wants to sell one million electric cars per year by 2025.

The I.D. BUZZ concept vehicle has all-wheel drive with electric motors on front and rear axles, a fully automated driving mode (I.D. Pilot) and a new generation of controls.

It can be recharged inductively or from a charging station. At a charging power of 150 kW, it takes around 30 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent.

The new I.D. BUZZ is capable of fully automated ‘I.D. Pilot’ mode (envisaged as of 2025). The driver’s seat can be turned around and the driver can face the passengers in the back. Laser scanners, ultrasound sensors, radar sensors, area-view cameras and a front camera scan the surrounding area, with other traffic data being received via the Cloud.

In the I.D. BUZZ the conventional cockpit no longer exists. The MPV instead projects the key information by means of an AR (augmented reality) Head-up Display into the driver’s field of vision – in 3D, in virtual format onto the road. Features such as the infotainment and air-conditioning functions are operated via a removable tablet. The main controls for driving are located on the steering wheel.

Located in between in the vehicle floor is the battery. It lowers the centre of gravity and assists with weight distribution. The suspension of the I.D. BUZZ has electronically regulated shock absorbers.

The zero emission all-wheel drive system with output power of 275 kW / 374 PS (electric motors front and rear each delivering 150 kW) helps the I.D. BUZZ to accelerate from 0-62mph in 5 seconds, with a top speed restricted to 100mph.

The I.D. Buzz is on show in Detroit and Volkswagen says that it is following its brand strategy, based on four areas of innovation:

Connected Community – Volkswagen will in future interconnect humans, cars and the environment with a Volkswagen User-ID.
Intuitive Usability – Volkswagen focuses on cars that are intuitive to operate and feature new display and control concepts.
Automated Driving – Volkswagen will make cars even safer and more comfortable by means of automated driving.
Smart Sustainability – Volkswagen is advancing the development of innovative high-volume electric car models.

Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management, explains: “By 2025, we want to sell one million electric cars per year, making e-mobility the new trademark of Volkswagen. The new e-Golf already offers 50 percent more electric range. From 2020 onwards we will then launch our I.D. family, a new generation of fully electric, fully connected cars. It will be affordable for millions, not just to millionaires.”