Volkswagen will not produce the 2026 ID.Buzz electric minibus for the US market, citing market conditions, but plans to bring it back in 2027. The decision allows VW to focus on current inventory and prepare for the next model year, amid challenges like policy changes and market competition. The ID.Buzz, popular for its design and affordability, faced sales and policy hurdles, prompting speculation about its future at a potentially lower price or with enhanced features.
Volkswagen has temporarily halted deliveries of its ID.Buzz electric van to the US, citing high US tariffs and a recall issue related to safety standards. Meanwhile, Germany's inflation has reached its lowest since October 2022, and border checks between Germany and Poland have increased, complicating travel. Additionally, German Foreign Minister Wadephul urged Israel to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict, and Australia is searching for a missing German backpacker.
Volkswagen has launched the ID.Buzz in the United States and Canada, marking the return of its iconic minibus to North America. The all-electric microbus is inspired by the company's minibus transporter from the 1950s and has a long wheelbase of 250mm, providing 2,469 litres of storage space and a spacious third row for up to seven seats. The ID.Buzz with long wheelbase has a new heat pump for increased efficiency in the winter and is available with a new 210 kW electric drive motor. Volkswagen plans to start delivering the first ID.Buzz units in the United States by 2024.
The delay in the release of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz in the US was due to the need to get the packaging right for the unique design, regulatory market differences, and consumer feedback. Focus groups in America preferred the longer three-row model, which required a larger battery pack and a more powerful rear motor. The infotainment system was also improved based on customer feedback from the ID.4 crossover SUV. The ID.7 hatchback will serve as the launch point to ensure any issues are resolved before the ID.Buzz arrives in the third quarter of 2024.
Volkswagen has unveiled the US version of its electric van, the ID.Buzz, which is 10 inches longer than its European counterpart to accommodate a removable third row. The US version will have a 91 kWh battery pack and a targeted EPA range of about 260 miles. The long-wheelbase ID.Buzz is expected to go on sale in the US market sometime in the third quarter of 2024. The vehicle will compete with traditional vans and large three-row SUVs, and Kia's EV9 could be a potential competitor.
