Volkswagen ID Buzz electric van: Australian release chances may be gathering momentum

Volkswagen’s fully-electrified take on the classic Kombi van could come to Australia in the future, following confirmation for America and Europe

Chasing Cars understands that Volkswagen will soon make an announcement on a possible Australian release of the ID Buzz electric van, following the confirmation of the ID3 hatch, ID4 SUV and ID5 coupe-SUV for the Australian market.

Speaking with Chasing Cars, Volkswagen Australia general manager of corporate communications Paul Pottinger said he could not confirm or deny an Australian release of the ID Buzz at the current time.

Volkswagen ID Buzz driving — Volkswagen may be getting closer to confirming the ID Buzz for Australia

The ID Buzz is available in foreign markets as both a people-mover and the commercial-focused ‘Cargo’ grade, and is as a fully-electric alternative to Volkswagen’s T6.2 Transporter range.

It comes as rival manufacturers introduce fully-electric vans to Australia with the Ford E-Transit and Mercedes-Benz eVito both confirmed for Australian release.

ID Buzz: 402km range and 170kW DC charging

The ID Buzz sits on the same MEB platform as the ID3 and ID4 models and is rear wheel drive with power rated at 150kW and torque at 310Nm.

Various wheelbase, battery and motor combinations are expected in the future but at its global launch the ID Buzz was available with a large 77kWh battery providing around 402km of range according to Volkswagen.

Volkswagen ID Buzz charging — The ID Buzz is capable of charging at speeds of up to 170kW

Furthermore, charging speeds of up to 170kW will allow drivers to recharge their ID Buzz 5-80 percent (from 20km to 321km of range) in around 30 minutes.

It’s unclear what grades, drivetrains and pricing would come to Australia if the ID Buzz was confirmed for the local market, but these details would likely emerge closer to the official launch that could occur in 2023 or 2024.