Overview
Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale. The company’s portfolio of electric commercial vans include:
- VW ID.Buzz Cargo
- VW Multivan
- VW ABT e-Transporter 6.1
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following blog categories:
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Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo Panel Van
There is no doubt, in that, commercial electric vans are becoming more popular in the UK, driven by increased availability, new regulations and also consumer choice. We can expect to see a number of city centres across the UK be converted to clean air zones, allowing only zero-tailpipe emission electric commercial vehicles to operate within the clean air zone.
Conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) commercial vans, will continue to be replaced by pure electric vans. It is worth noting that even businesses are just as keen to migrate to electric driving. Commercial electric vans offer businesses an opportunity to save money and also improve their environmental credentials.
Electric driving is far cheaper per mile compared to driving a petrol or diesel commercial van. Moreover, electric vans require significantly less maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vans. The reason is simple, EVs have far less moving parts compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle. Lower maintenance equates to lower fleet operating costs.
Though the recent crop of pure electric vans have appealing exterior styling, the VW ID. Buzz Cargo electric van has benchmarked the exterior appeal for commercial vans to a higher level. The ID. Buzz electric van demonstrates that commercial electric vans can be practical, environmentally-friendly and appealing. All in one cute package.
The ID. Buzz Cargo is the first all-electric commercial electric van from Volkswagen. The ID.Buzz Cargo does not share its development platform with any other automotive brand, hence the distinctive exterior styling. The ID.Buzz is also available as a passenger electric van (MPV), simply referred to as the ID.Buzz.
The ID.Buzz Cargo Panel Van is available in one EV battery size: 77 kWh (net battery capacity). In due course, we can expect the e-van to be available in more EV battery sizes. The 77 kWh is more than adequate for most urban driving needs and also motorway driving. Volkswagen claim a zero-emission electric range up to 257 miles (WLTP) on a full charge. Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the available e-range is useful and practical.
The real-world electric range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: payload, driving profile, speed, weather conditions, temperature, tyre size, onboard services used etc. Expect a real-world e-range closer to 215 miles. In colder weather the range could be further impacted, so worth keeping this in mind.
Volkswagen offers DC charging up to 170 kW DC. This is certainly class-leading compared to other pure electric vans available in the market, which mostly offer between 50 kW DC to 100 kW DC. Of course, the key is finding a rapid charger capable of 170 kW DC on your route. In any case, it is good that VW has incorporated a rapid charging capability up to 170 kW DC. This is a prudent future proof strategy, as the EV public charging infrastructure will continue to develop further. At 170 kW DC, the ID.Buzz Cargo can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes.
In general, we at e-zoomed recommend never letting the EV battery charge fall below 10%. So best to plan the journey, such that there is always sufficient charge in the battery. VW offers three-phase AC (11 kW) onboard charging compatibility, as standard. This is certainly good, as most commercial premises in the UK have three-phase power supply (3-phase EV charging is faster compared to 1-phase EV charging!).
For those charging at home, a single-phase EV charger like, myenergi zappi is appropriate for charging the EV. The 77 kWh EV battery can be fully charged in 12 hours. Do keep in mind that most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply.
Though the e-van can be charged using a standard 3-PIN domestic plug, we at e-zoomed discourage using a domestic plug to charge an electric vehicle. We at e-zoomed encourage a ‘topping up’ approach to charging an electric vehicle (EV). This is beneficial for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery and of course, EV charging times are shorter. The manufacturer offers a 8 years/ 100,000 miles warranty.
The VW ID.Buzz Cargo panel van is available in only one length (4712 mm). The electric van offers up to 3.9 m3 cargo volume, with a payload up to 607 kg. The EV offers a towing capacity up to 1,000 kg (Braked). The EV offers 3 seats, but the EV can also be configured for just two seats. The manufacturer also offers a host of driving aids and technology, to include: park assist plus with memory function, rear-view camera, travel assist with lane assist and emergency assist, adaptive cruise control (ACC) stop & go with speed limiter, discover pro navigation and infotainment system and more.
In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive VW ID.Buzz Cargo delivers a maximum power up to 204 PS and 310 Nm torque. The EV has a 150 kW onboard electric motor. The e-van can achieve 0-62 mph in 10.2 seconds. The top speed is 90 mph. The electric energy consumption (miles/kWh) is 2.94. The electric van also incorporates regenerative braking to improve the efficiency of the EV and increase the electric range. The EV offers three driving modes. The ID. Buzz Cargo has been awarded the prestigious industry award “International Van Of The Year 2023”.
The VW ID.Buzz Cargo panel van is eligible for the UK government plug-in van grant for the ‘large vans’ category. These vehicles are between 2,500kg and 4,250kg gross vehicle weight, have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions at all. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £5,000.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric vans via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Practical pure electric range | Choice of other cheaper electric vans |
170 kW DC charging and three-phase (11 kW AC) onboard charger as standard | Available in only one length |
Attractive exterior styling | Available in only one EV battery size |
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo Panel Van (credit: Volkswagen)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
Body Type: | Panel Van |
Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG): | Available |
Engine: | Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (2 Options) |
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Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce (from £46,621) |
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce Plus (from £51,721) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 77 kWh |
Charging: | 170 kW DC Rapid Charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 100,000 miles |
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1932 |
Width (mm): | 1985 |
Length (mm): | 4712 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2989 |
Turning Radius (m): | 11.10 |
Cargo Volume (m3): | 3.9 |
Payload (kg): | 592 – 607 |
ID.Buzz Cargo | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 77 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 255 – 257 miles |
Electric Energy Consumption (miles/kWh): | 2.92 – 2.94 |
Charging: | 170 kW DC Rapid Charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs 30 mins) |
Top Speed: | 90 mph |
0-62 mph: | 10.2 seconds |
Drive: | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
Max Power (PS): | 204 |
Torque (Nm): | 310 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 3 |
Towing Capacity/ Braked (kg): | 1,000 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 2,352 |
Colours: | 8 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | N/A |
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