Volkswagen’s a highly-anticipated electric reboot of its iconic minivan, ID Buzz, has been delayed, according to a VW exec.
The ID. Buzz electric microbus was introduced by the German automaker in 2017 exciting many van-life enthusiast who have been toying with the idea of switching to electric. VW was expected to release a production version of the electric van in 2022, but that may no longer be the case.
The company assured that they do in fact have plans to bring the vehicle to production within the next three years, and are even investing in the production of the electric microbus in the US. However, we are now learning that the electric ID Buzz has been delayed in the US to 2023.
Volkswagen of America CEO Scott Keogh announced the delay in an interview with Automotive News: “I wish it was coming next year. It’s not going to come quite as soon as that; it’s going to be a little bit later than that.”
According to the automaker, they will offer two options of the electric minivan. The high-end option will feature an all-wheel-drive system with a total output of 369 horsepower powered by a massive 111 kWh battery pack. The German automaker claims it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5 seconds with a top speed of 99 mph. VW also claims the estimated range will be 270 miles based on the US driving cycle.
The less expensive option will feature a rear-wheel-drive system with a total output of 268 hp, powered by a smaller 83 kWh battery giving it a range of about 200 miles.
VW plans to produce the first ID. Buzz electric vans at the Hanover factory but has previously talked about also producing the vehicle at its Chattanooga, Tennessee factory. To date, no confirmation on production locations have been announced.