Volkswagen unveils a new electric version of the classic Buzz

Volkswagen, the German automotive giant, has finally revealed the new electric version of its classic ID Buzz.

With a long wheelbase, a flat front and short overhangs, the new ID Buzz reminds people of the classic old microbus from the past. But while the original 'hippie bus' ran on a small four-cylinder engine behind the rear axle, the new ID Buzz runs completely on electric power.

Volkswagen's latest gem sits on its Molecular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) electric architecture. It has a 201-horsepower, 150-kW electric motor powering the rear wheels. Having an onboard battery of 77 kWh, the electric range is expected to be around 400 kilometres.

The two models of the ID Buzz, the ID Buzz people carrier and the ID Buzz Cargo van, have 170-kW charging, implying that the battery can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes.

The ID Buzz people carrier has a capacity for carrying five passengers.

At the highest specification level, the ID Buzz will have around 30 assist systems on board, including the 'Car2X' communication. It will allow it to download data through the cloud from nearby Volkswagens and learn about traffic nearby. A memory function will 'teach' the van to navigate through multiple scenarios, such as parking the car.

The production of the Buzz ID is set to start later this year, with the first vehicles expected to be on sale in Europe at the end of 2022.