Volkswagen’s famous camper van is going electric.
The zero-emission D. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo vehicles update the design of one of the great automobile icons – the T1 – to the electric era.
The vehicles are set to become available in select European countries this autumn, with advance sales due to start in May.
“The ID. Buzz brings a lot of endearing charm and affinity with people back onto the road,” said Jozef Kabaň, Head of the Volkswagen Design. “In the T1, you are practically sitting on top of the front axle – there’s no front overhang. While providing everything of relevance to safety and technology, the ID. Buzz has wonderfully short overhangs.”
The European versions will come to market with a 77 kWh battery providing current to a 150 kW electric motor – which can be charged to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
In the lounge-like, friendly interior of the MPV option, five people have ample room for travelling and lots of space for their luggage. If the second row of seats is folded down, there’s even more room to store belongings – or to kick back and relax.
The two cars come from a lineage that’s one of the most storied in motoring history – with the camper van becoming an American design icon thanks to its association with the 1960s and ’70s hippy movement.
