VW present I.D. Buzz ‘Cargo’ concept

Unveiled in concept form at Germany’s IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover this past September, the I.D. Buzz Cargo is a load-lugging version of the I.D. Buzz people mover. Both take styling inspiration from VW’s Type 2 that debuted in 1949 and was offered in van, trayback and various forms of people mover, best known here as the Kombi, but also labelled as the Transporter and Samba

Like the I.D. Buzz that was unveiled at last year’s Detroit Motor Show, the I.D. Buzz Cargo is based on VW’s MEB modular platform and is electric powered. While the I.D. Buzz will reach showrooms in 2022, VW says the Cargo version “could” come to market a year earlier.

Longer than the people-carrying version by 106mm and using smaller 20-inch wheels, the I.D. Buzz Cargo features barn-style rear doors, a fold-out rear workbench, offside sliding side door and high-tech cargo area with integral shelving and a claimed payload of 800kg.

Unlike the AWD I.D. Buzz, the Cargo concept features drive only on the rear axle (and rear-wheel steering), with the 150kW electric motor capable of a claimed (electronically limited) top speed of 160km/h, while 80 per cent charge of the 48kWh battery is achievable in 15 minutes using a fast charging system. Driving range of up to 500km is claimed, with integral solar panels in the roof capable of extend that range by 15km daily.

Inside, the driver’s seat is separated from a two-person bench alongside, which in turn has a section that folds down and includes an integrated laptop computer. When the concept’s Level 4 autonomous driving mode is engaged, the steering wheel withdraws into the dash and the driver’s seat swivels to make laptop operation more comfortable.

Other future tech includes a 3D “AR” (Augmented Reality) head-up display in place of an instrument panel, a touchpad on the steering wheel instead of buttons and rear-view cameras instead of mirrors.

In the load area, “smart shelves” can recognise and track all articles on them for more effective management of freight, while a Safety Check function when the Cargo is being used as a mobile workshop identifies any unsecured tools or missing parts required by the driver before each journey gets underway. While VW released their first ever all-electric van – the e-Crafter - in August, any production version of the I.D. Buzz Cargo is yet to be confirmed.