Volkswagen has unveiled its long-awaited ID. Buzz electric vehicle in both MPV and Cargo van bodystyles, providing zero-emission mobility including for future urban solutions.

The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are the successors to the iconic 1950s Transporter and Microbus and arrive in Europe this autumn

First revealed as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show five years ago, it’s the successor to the iconic 1950s Transporter and Microbus and arrives in Europe this autumn.

As with all models in VW’s growing ID. family, it’s based on the group’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) scalable platform for all-electric cars.

Both the MPV and Cargo versions use the same 2,988 wheelbase, roughly the same as that of the current T6.1, and measure 4,712mm long.

The MPV version brings space for five people and 1,121 litres of luggage capacity. With the second row folded down, this increases to 2,205 litres.

The Cargo van can be specified with two or three seats up front and has a fixed partition separating off the 3.9m3 cargo space. It can take two loaded euro pallets, loaded in transversely.

A longer-wheelbase, three-row model is due to arrive around 2023 and a campervan replacement to the diesel California is expected after that.

Both the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will initially launch with a 77kWh battery connected to a 204hp electric motor that drives the rear axle. The battery can be charged at up to 170kW, giving a 5-80% charge in about 30 minutes, or 11kW at AC wallboxes. It will also feature a ‘Plug & Charge’ function in the future that enables the ID. Buzz to authenticate credit card data via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard.

Bidirectional charging will enable the ID. Buzz to provide power from the battery into the customer’s home network (Vehicle-to-Home).

As with all VW’s ID. models, the MEB architecture allows for further developments of software and technology, including over-the-air updates; ensuring drivers can access extra services without needing to visit a dealer.

Driver assistance systems available as standard will include the ‘Car2X’ local warning system, already seen on other ID. models and using signals from other vehicles and the transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real time.

Other standard systems include the front assist emergency braking function and, in the MPV lane assist.

It also debuts new assistance functions to the ID. family. Options include Travel Assist with swarm data – which enables partially automated driving across the entire speed range – and, for the first time, assisted lane-changing on the motorway. Also new is a memory function for automated parking on a previously saved route.

Supported by its driver assistance features, the ID. Buzz will be able to be used for future autonomous mobility concepts such as the ride pooling e-shuttle service offered by Volkswagen Group subsidiary Moia and able to be booked via an app.

The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will start pre-orders in May and launch in the first few European countries this autumn.