Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has given its all-electric ID. Buzz Cargo van a major boost with the arrival of a new 58kWh battery model.

Replacing the outgoing 59kWh variant, the 58kWh battery delivers big upgrades in range, power and functionality.

Thanks to improved battery cell efficiency, the new battery extends the van’s all-electric range by 17 miles, bringing the total to 218 miles on a single charge. Drivers will also see a performance boost, with power increasing from 170hp to 190hp.

Volkswagen is also cutting upfront costs thanks to a significantly lower entry price. The new 58kWh model starts at £29,995 (excl. VAT), representing a direct saving of £5,655 compared to the outgoing version.

Furthermore, the vehicle qualifies for the Government’s Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG), which slashes an additional £5,000 off the price. To attract fleet operators and small businesses, finance packages are launching from £239 per month on a two-year contract hire agreement.

In addition to the battery swap, the entire ID. Buzz Cargo line-up gets a major utility upgrade with the introduction of vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology. A three-pin plug located in the rear loadspace provides a continuous 2.0kW power supply (peaking at 3.6kW). This allows tradespeople and operators to power tools, laptops, or appliances directly from the vehicle’s main battery.

On the tech front, the cabin receives Volkswagen’s new ID 6.0 software update. The infotainment system now features an integrated app store for streaming, parking and charging services directly within the vehicle. Safety and automation also get a boost via Connected Travel Assist; the system uses online data to support driving functions and can now automatically bring the vehicle to a halt when it detects a red traffic light.

Dale Piper, ID. Buzz product manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “The extended range and power will allow our customers to go further and do more, while the host of updates including vehicle-to-load function support everyday convenience on the road.”