VW Adds Another Year for Production of the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ in Albuquerque NM

After debuting as a prototype at the North American International Auto Show way back in 2017, it looks like the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ in Albuquerque NM will finally become a reality. Still existing as a concept vehicle at this time, the VW Group has confirmed that a production model is really coming. Fans everywhere are sure to be excited since it wasn’t exactly clear if the electric bus would actually make it to production.

Originally sold in North America during the 1950s until the early 1980s, the VW microbus was affectionately termed the “love bus.” It was the first ever van, and has been popular among car collectors for years. The latest edition of this iconic vehicle carries the vibe of a groovy period in time with a twist of modern. An icon of the counterculture movement in the 60s, VW has redesigned and upgraded the van to introduce it to the electric age.

In a recent interview with Car and Driver, Carsten Intra, the head of VW’s commercial vehicles, verified past reports that the company would again push back the American release date of the ID.BUZZ from 2022 to 2023, making it a 2024 model year contender. It will reportedly go on sale across the Atlantic in 2022. Additionally, while both a commercial and passenger version will be offered in European markets, with the commercial version possibly offering a solar roof as an option, the U.S. release will only see a passenger version of the cool little minibus. What’s more, an autonomous version is in the works, although it will be some time before it’s released, and then probably only in Europe.

Volkswagen has vowed to become an all-electric car manufacturer, and the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ in Albuquerque is expected to play a pivotal role in helping EVs become more popular. Along with only one version of the van, the U.S. model will only be offered in a long wheelbase configuration. However, it’s likely to be available with up to three different battery sizes. A rear-wheel drive model is expected to be the entry level version, probably making about 200 horsepower, and then a range-topping model will likely be presented with all-wheel drive, delivering around 300 hp.

Volkswagen ID.BUZZ in Albuquerque NM: Innovative Interior

Because it’s still a concept vehicle, the interior we’ve seen in photos won’t necessarily be the interior of the final production model. But hopefully the designers will keep the same open and laid back feeling that the concept delivers. Thanks to no engine and no transmission tunnel, the cabin is even roomier, lending more space for passengers and cargo.

Just like other EVs that have debuted, the dashboard is simple and uncluttered, having only a steering wheel and a display screen. And the steering wheel in the concept isn’t much of a wheel shape at all, more of a rounded trapezoid shape.

One of the most innovative features of the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ in Albuquerque NM are the seats, or rather, the rail system built for the seats. With the increased space inside the van, every seat is capable of being folded flat, moved around, swiveled, and folded into tables in order to give you a plethora of seating arrangements. Of course, we don’t know if the rail system will even make it into the production version, but we hope so.

With the final version still so far in the future, it’s hard to tell exactly what to expect. Keep checking back with us for more news and updates about VW’s future EVs, or come over to Fiesta Volkswagen to see what’s new. We’re located at 8201 Lomas Blvd NE in Albuquerque and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon!