(September 21, 2018) HANOVER, Germany — The original Volkswagen Transporter is the most recognizable light commercial vehicle of all time. With the world premiere of the new I.D. BUZZ CARGO, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is showing how an electrically powered and completely redeveloped Transporter might change the world of LCVs.

This innovative zero-emissions panel van could be launched as early as 2021. Meanwhile, the concept vehicle offers a glimpse into the middle of the next decade with its alternative, fully-automated "I.D. Pilot" driving mode (Level 4).

The transporter concept being presented at the IAA Commercial Vehicles in Hannover is a sibling of the I.D. BUZZ. That concept, which was presented in 2017 in Detroit, will go into production starting in 2022. The new I.D. BUZZ CARGO was designed to be just as close to production level. The I.D. BUZZ was developed jointly by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Passenger Cars. Volkswagen Passenger Cars focused on the people carrier and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on the cargo version.



Both models are members of the I.D. Family — a new generation of fully connected electric vehicles delivering long ranges, a futuristic design-DNA and impressive space.



Another key unique selling point of the I.D. Family is the scalability of its batteries. The models can be delivered with different battery sizes according to the vehicle’s purpose and budget. This also applies also to the future I.D. BUZZ CARGO, which like all models in the I.D. Family is based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). With the MEB it is possible — dependent on battery size and the model concerned — to achieve ranges between about 200 and 340 miles, as defined by the WLTP cycle.

This concept vehicle shows how Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is launching into the new era of electric mobility. Back in August, the company already presented the brand's first all-electric van with the world premiere of the new e-Crafter. While the e-Crafter launched as a panel van with an overall length of 235.7 inches and a maximum payload of 1.75 tons, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO concept is positioned a size below the Crafter.

The payload (maximum load) of the concept vehicle is 1,760 pounds. The I.D. BUZZ CARGO is 198.7 in long, 77.8 in wide and 77.3 in tall, with a wheelbase of 129.9 inches. Since the rear overhang was extended by about 4 inches, the cargo version of the I.D. BUZZ is significantly longer than the vehicle shown in Detroit.

Outside, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO concept is differentiated from the I.D. BUZZ by a new solar roof, wide-opening rear wing doors and a new rear bumper. With a view towards optimizing cargo space via a shelving system, there is no sliding door on the driver’s side, typical of LCVs. The front doors and sliding door open electrically. Unlocking the vehicle from the outside is activated via a sensor. The I.D. BUZZ CARGO recognizes authorized persons via a digital key which is sent to the van from a smartphone. Instead of the 22-inch wheels of the Detroit concept vehicle, new 20-inch wheels are used with 235/55 tires.

The solar module on the roof fits into this picture. The photovoltaic system generates so much energy that it is able to extend the range of the I.D. BUZZ CARGO by up to 9.3 miles a day. So the longer the concept vehicle stands in the sun, the further it can drive later.

The interior has also been tailored for commercial use, down to the smallest detail. From the driver's cab to the rear, the I.D. BUZZ CARGO is a unique concept. Instead of two single seats, the concept vehicle is equipped with the driver's seat and a double bench-seat on the front passenger side. The middle seat can be folded down. This opens up a workplace, at which the driver can take care of organizational matters via an integrated laptop.

In the automated "I.D. Pilot" mode this can even be done on the move. The driver activates the Level 4 autonomous mode by simply pushing on the steering wheel for a few seconds. It then retracts into the redesigned instrument panel. Thereafter the driver's seat can be turned 15 degrees to the right in order to enable the on-board computer to be operated from the ideal ergonomic position.