Volkswagen has revealed the new ID. Buzz, an electric version of the iconic VW Bus that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, will go on sale in North America in 2024. The ID. Buzz is part of Volkswagen’s ID. family of electric vehicles that are based on a modular platform and share a common design language.

The VW ID. Buzz will have a three-row seating configuration with room for up to seven passengers and a spacious cargo area that can be accessed by a large rear hatch and sliding doors on both sides. The interior will be customizable and flexible, with seats that can be folded, swiveled, or removed to create different layouts.

The minivan will be powered by a dual-motor system that delivers 295 horsepower and a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge. The battery pack will be under the floor, lowering the center of gravity and improving stability. It will also have a fast-charging capability that can add up to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes.

Advanced technology abounds like a head-up display with augmented reality that projects navigation and other information onto the windshield, a digital cockpit with touch-sensitive controls and haptic feedback, and an intelligent voice assistant that can recognize natural language commands and gestures. The ID. Buzz will also offer various driver assistance systems and connectivity features that enhance safety and convenience.

The ID. Buzz is part of Volkswagen’s electric transformation, which aims to deliver 26 percent more all-electric vehicles in 2022 than in 2021 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The electrification of its model range is a cornerstone to achieving that goal and having a carbon-neutral balance sheet by at the latest 2050. Volkswagen also invests in charging infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and battery recycling to support its electric strategy.

Electrifed’s Take:  The ID. Buzz looks cool like a breath of fresh air untainted by the fumes of VW’s Dieselgate scandal. I can see this thing becoming the darling of soccer moms and urban hipsters as well.  With an electric drivetrain and its US-spec three-row seating, it will be the perfect Costco cruiser and people mover.

To be honest, the Buzz will join a retro family of cars including the New Beetle, PT Cruiser, Chevy HHR, Thunderbird, Chevy SSR et al.  Unlike Detroit’s retro pony cars, all these new, old-school models are now permanent residents of Roger Rabbits Toontown and didn’t age all that gracefully.

Most folks won’t care and we predict brisk sales if the price is right. With the average MSRP of an EV hovering at over $55K, that remains to be seen. In the meantime, we’d love to see this cargo version of the ID. Buzz as it would be a cool little stealth camper. Rumor has it a Westfalia-like, “California” model could be in the works. Let’s hope so.