Volkswagen’s “new Kombi” will launch next year as a conventional electric people mover, while a fully-autonomous variant is set to follow in 2025.
An autonomous prototype of the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz was unveiled overnight, at a preview event for this week’s 2021 Munich motor show.
The newest images show the retro electric bus – which is essentially a modern interpretation of Volkswagen’s iconic Kombi – testing on closed roads at a German airport.
Styling has not evolved dramatically since the concept stage, however smaller wheels, a more dramatically sloped nose, conventional door handles, and wider headlights prepare the vehicle for mass production.
Developed in conjunction with US-based autonomous tech specialist Argo AI, the autonomous variant will use cameras, radar, and lidar sensors to ‘see’ up to 400 metres ahead. An onboard computer converts the available information into a virtual map to predict the movements of other cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Powertrain details are yet to be confirmed, however the MEB platform underpinning the ID. Buzz has previously accommodated dual electric motors (one on each axle, allowing for all-wheel drive) and a 77kWh lithium-ion battery in the Volkswagen ID.6. Unsubstantiated online rumours suggest a capacity of up to 84kWh in the ID.Buzz.
A standard non-autonomous, ‘standard-wheelbase’ version of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is set to launch next year in Europe and China, with a long-wheelbase version set for the US in 2023.
A spokesperson for Volkswagen in Australia told Drive: “[The vehicle] would be highly desirable, but in the first instance Volkswagen would seek to commence EVs in this market with the ID.4.”
The German manufacturer claims its autonomous bus will be rolled out from 2025, initially as part of a public roads trial in Hamburg.
The post Autonomous Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric people mover prototype revealed appeared first on Drive.
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