Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle division has announced that it will be adding more all-electric van options to its vehicle line-up through the introduction of its new, entry-level ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce 59 kWh. Set to be provided alongside the van’s 4Motion all-wheel drive versions, the commercial OEM is aiming for the new variant to broaden the accessibility of cost-effective, electric mobility to a greater number of UK fleet operators.
The model itself will be priced from £35,960 ($46,386 / €42,785), with deliveries set to begin in late spring, and feature a 59-kWh battery that offers a smaller, more compact, form factor. The battery facilities the EV’s estimated 200-mile (321-km) range, as well the load capacity and payload it shares with other models in the ID. Buzz Cargo line-up.
When the time comes to recharge this battery, its 165-kW DC charging capacity allows it to be replenished quickly at many rapid charging stations, while its 11-kW AC charging capacity provides operators and drivers with the opportunity to charge the van privately (at home or at the depot, for example). Here, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles highlighted that on DC, the ID. Buzz Cargo’s state-of-charge (SoC) can be increased from 5% to 80% in an estimated 30 minutes.
Much like its fellow variants, the ID. Buzz Cargo 59kWh provides fleet customers with a maximum cargo volume of 3.9 meters (12.7 feet), allowing it to accommodate two Euro pallets loaded widthways. A single, rear-mounted, motor enables its 692-kg (1,525-lb) payload as well as its maximum towing capacity of 1,000 kg (2204 lb). The Commerce trim offered exclusively with the new equips it with a broad range of standard features and technologies, including Volkswagen’s proprietary Ready 2 Discover system (itself hosted on a 12.9-inch touchscreen), wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and four USB-C ports alongside front and rear parking sensors, a heated drivers seat, and LED headlights.
While detailing the new ID. Buzz Cargo variant, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles further highlighted its charging partnership with OVO Energy. Centered around the energy supplier’s ‘Charge Anytime’ add-on, the partnership will offer home charging at a price of seven pence per kWh at any time of the day, or during the night. Volkswagen Group customers signing up to OVO will also receive up to 30,000 miles (48,280 kilometers) of complimentary charging, with 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) issued annually over a three-year period.