VW teases four ID. Buzz van concepts

VOLKSWAGEN’s electric take on a modern Kombi, the modular ID. Buzz platform, just got serious, as the German car-maker reveals four new variants at this year’s IAA Transportation conference in Hanover.

Built off the existing ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo models, Volkswagen developed the four new variants alongside select German bodybuilders.

Punters at IAA were treated to the Flex-Cab people mover, an all-electric Ambulance concept, a last-mile Cargo box-body van, and a grocery-ready refrigerated Cargo van.

A fifth ID. Buzz was also teased – a Miele ServiceVan built as a customer service rig with parts storage and tool fit-out – but it isn’t as heavily customised as the others.

The first of the four, the ID. Buzz Flex-Cab concept, was built by Dutch customiser Snoeks, and has been fitted out primarily for passenger transport.

In true Kombi fashion it has been equipped with a three-person bench seat up back and can carry a total of five passengers. The rear bench seat can be used in two positions, lengthways and with an option for extra legroom, or folded down. 

Electric switches on the B- or D-pillars offer electronic folding, allowing the van to be adapted for transporting either passengers or cargo, making it a compelling all-rounder.

The colour scheme on the Flex-Cab is quintessentially VW, with a two-tone cherry-red on white body that merges futuristic electro-mobility with classic Caravelle charm. 

The next release and, arguably the most innovative, is the “near-production” Id. Buzz ambulance concept built by manufacturer German manufacturer Bösenberg.

The ambulance fits three occupants, and the cargo space has been converted into a functional modular workplace. The modular concept allows integration of specialised medical equipment and special components, with only minimal changes to the base vehicle.

A separate battery system runs the sirens and signal, so range shouldn’t be affected through constant use of the signalling system.

An urban freight-ready box-body ID. Buzz Cargo was the most distinctive of the concept models, built by Veth Automotive and featuring a massive 6.0 m3 cargo capacity.

That’s a sizeable increase over the stock ID. Buzz Cargo’s 3.9m3 load capacity, and coupled with a 680kg payload, it makes this a genuine competitor to other mid-sized van options.

The ‘box’ can be fitted with conventional doors, sliding doors or roller shutters, meaning couriers can access the cargo space from any side.

Another handy perk is plenty of flat wall space for branding, much like a light-duty box-body truck.

The box-body Cargo looks more like a ute with a slide-on body than a van but goes to show just how versatile the ID. Buzz platform is. 

Lastly, the ID. Buzz Cargo refrigerated concept offers a last-mile chilled-delivery option with separate battery system for the fridge. German manufacturer, Wükaro, built the refrigerated vehicle for its unveiling at IAA, designing it specifically for city centre deliveries. 

The cooling system is entirely electric, consisting of a low-profile 230v fridge unit on the roof, four 100Ah lithium-ion batteries, and an inverter with integrated battery charger.

Wükaro housed the batteries within the wheel arches, to maximise space, and they enable the system to run independently for six to eight hours. 

The refrigerated concept offers a payload of 390kg, impressive given the inclusion of a battery and fridge system that undoubtedly adds a fair bit of weight to the base vehicle.

The Miele ServiceVan mentioned earlier was also unveiled, and it was a joint development between CS/ Würth and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The ServiceVan features a shelving system for spare parts and tools, as well as an integrated table in the passenger compartment serving as a mobile workspace.

The ID. Buzz offers a glimpse into a modular electric vehicle future – although Australia isn’t set to receive the electric van until late 2024 at the earliest.