Report: VW Approves Production of Electric Microbus

Volkswagen AG tells Auto Express it has approved plans to build its I.D. Buzz concept microbus as an all-electric vehicle. Observers predict the MPV will reach showrooms in about 2021.

VW unveiled the Buzz, an update of VW’s Microbus from the 1960s, at the Detroit auto show in January. The production model will ride on VW’s new “modular electric drive” platform and join an array of EVs being developed for the carmaker’s new I.D. EV sub-brand.

VW hinted in January that the Buzz would be offered with a choice of a rear- or all-wheel drive. The former would be propelled by a single 268-hp electric motor and a 83-kWh battery.

The concept Buzz is powered by two electric motors (one for each axle) that deliver a combined 369 hp. A 111-kWh battery, which can be charged to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, is expected to provide a driving range of roughly 300 miles. The little bus can carry as many as eight people.

The Buzz showcases full autonomous driving capabilities that include a steering wheel that folds into the instrument panel. It isn’t clear how much automation will be available when the bus launches. But VW predicts its I.D. Pilot self-driving system will be capable of Level 5 automated driving by 2025.