VW is giving the world a preview of a future electric, fully autonomous cargo van with the debut of the I.D. Buzz Cargo concept. It’s based on the original Microbus-inspired I.D. Buzz concept, but the windows after the front two doors have been removed to make it ideal for carrying cargo.
The I.D. Buzz concept is going to go into production in 2022 and according to VW, the I.D. Buzz Cargo concept has also been designed as a potential production vehicle. The I.D. Buzz Cargo is smaller than the current Crafter in its commercial lineup, but it’s actually bigger than the I.D. Buzz concept. The I.D.Buzz Cargo’s rear overhang has been extended by over four inches to give it more room inside.
There are a few other differences as well, since the I.D. Buzz Cargo concept also gets a new solar roof, cargo friendly rear wing doors and a new rear bumper. The sliding door on the driver’s side has also been deleted. VW says that the solar roof extends the I.D. Buzz Cargo’s driving range by almost 10 miles a day.
Inside the concept features a driver’s seat and a double bench seat on the passenger side. The middle seat can be folded down to provide room for a workstation and the driver can simply activate the level 4 autonomous driving mode simply by pushing a button on the steering wheel. In autonomous mode, the steering wheel retracts into the instrument panel, which then allows the driver’s seat to be be turned 15 degrees to the right.
The I.D. Buzz Cargo concept can also be equipped with different battery options depending on need. A 48 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is great for urban use, while a 111 kWh battery pack gives the concept a longer driving range. The 48 kWh battery can be charged up to 80 percent in 15 minutes using a DC fast charger. Wireless inductive charging is also possible.
The VW I.D. Buzz Cargo concept is debuting this week at the IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hannover.
Source: VW
