A fully electric update of VW’s classic Kombi has joined the German manufacturer’s expanding range of all-electric vehicles.

A commercial variant of the new Kombi has arrived too and – as all the models in the Volkswagen Passenger Car’s ID. family will – the two new EVs will be built on the VW Group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).

Together the two Kombis – called the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo – are launching in Europe with a 77kWh battery that provides energy to a 150kW electric motor driving the rear axle. The lithium-ion battery is positioned down in the floor and can be charged from wall boxes or public charging stations using 11kW alternating current (AC). Via a CCS plug connector at a DC rapid-charging station the charging power increases to as much as 170kW. When charged in this way, recharge time from 5 per cent to 80 per cent can be achieved in about 30 minutes. Range has yet to be confirmed.

Bidirectional charging is available, enabling the ID. Buzz to feed energy from the battery into the customer’s home network. The power transfer and communication take place via a special DC bi-directional wall box.

At some point in the near future, VW says the model line will also offer a ‘Plug & Charge’ function which will enable the Buzz to authenticate itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector and save owners from having to sign in or provide any other details when charging on any network.

There is, of course, plenty of room in the ID. Buzz. In the passenger (MPV) variant, there’s room for five people and their luggage (1,121 litres of capacity). If the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases to up to 2,205 litres. For the Cargo version, there are two or three seats up front and a fixed partition separating off 3.9 square metres of cargo space.

Included in the ID. Buzz package is the latest generation of VW’s ID. software offering a suite of safety and assistance functions. Included as standard is the ‘Car2X’ local warning system, which utilises signals from other vehicles and transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real-time. Also included as standard are a ‘Front Assist’ emergency braking function and, in the MPV, the ‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant. Available as an option is ‘Travel Assist with swarm data’, which allows for the partial automation of driving across the entire speed range and assisted lane-changing on the motorway.

Like many car makers, VW is keen to move towards a more sustainable future both in its manufacturing and the materials used for its products, and the ID. Buzz features recycled synthetic material across the interior, from the steering wheel trim to upholstery and floor.

Advanced orders for the ID. Buzz will be taken from May this year, with the deliveries scheduled for the European autumn.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (April 2022) 

16 April 2022