Volkswagen has greenlighted production of an electric-only cargo van, said to be inspired by the original Transporter line-up launched in the 1950s.
Due to launch in 2022, the newcomer will be part of Volkswagen’s I.D. electric vehicle line-up, and feature styling previewed by the I.D. Buzz concept car shown at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.
The I.D. range features a modular EV platform, which packages the batteries and drive systems into the floorpan.
In turn, this offers completely flat load area in the back and disproportionately large cargo-carrying capacity within compact overall dimensions. The concept is only slightly larger than a standard wheelbase T6 Transporter, but with a wheelbase that’s almost as long as the extended version.
It’s too early to predict technology levels at the point of launch, but the I.D. Buzz had a high-performance 369bhp four-wheel drive system and offered a range of 375 miles to a full charge, 80% of which can be recovered in half an hour. Volkswagen has hinted that it could offer a high level of autonomy, which would be well-suited to both urban and long-distance deliveries.
