Emblematic since its launch in the ‘50s, the bus is gaining added relevance today

We’ve got great news for all VW lovers: the iconic Volkswagen bus has officially been upgraded. And for the first time, it’ll be all-electric. On March 9, the German car manufacturer revealed the new iconic bus, dubbed the ID. Buzz. 

ID. Buzz (and its commercial electric delivery version, ID. Buzz Cargo) will debut in Europe later this year. The US-destined longer-wheelbase model—which features three rows of seats—is scheduled to roll out in 2024.

The EV bus has been a long time in the making since its first concept vehicle debuted in 2017. Inspired by the original vintage model, the exterior is two-tone colored, while the interior features neo-retro upholstery finished in (vegan) leather and recycled materials. The new classic transfers seven decades of Bulli know-how into the modern era.

Carsten Intra, Volkswagen’s Chairman of the Board of Management, has shared that both updated versions are pioneering in terms of their sustainability—from carbon-neutral manufacture and shipping, to the models being slated for “future autonomous mobility concepts.”

As countries around the world are encouraging the shift to EVs, it’s no surprise this vehicle makeover is so electric. The Volkswagen Group, who also owns Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, and Audi brands, has said that EVs will make up 25 percent of its sales by 2026.

Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, believes that the ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. “In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emissions-free, sustainable, fully networked and ready for the next big chapter.”

For more information on the ID. Buzz, visit volkswagen-newsroom.com.