Can Volkswagen’s Iconic Bus Make An Electric Comeback?

Since the 1950s, the Volkswagen bus has been an iconic staple of American culture and after a 20-year hiatus, the minibus is making an electric comeback with the ID. Buzz. The Type 2, which is also known by the nicknames microbus, camper, transporter, Bulli, Kombi and hippie mobile, is one of VW’s most coveted vehicles. To date, Volkswagen says it has delivered over 19 million Type 2 buses worldwide and with the ID. Buzz the brand is looking to reestablish itself in the American market. Pre-sales for the European model have already started and VW says North American customers can expect the ID. Buzz to arrive at dealerships in 2024. CNBC explores the evolution of the minibus from the highly coveted Type 2 to the ID. Buzz, plus CNBC’s Robert Ferris takes the bus for a test drive in Huntington Beach, California.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:01 - History
04:48 - Bus evolution
10:44 - What's next
Produced and Shot by: Sydney Boyo
Edited by: Erin Black
Narration and Additional Reporting: Robert Ferris
Additional Camera: Andrew Evers
Animation: Mithra Krishnan
Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt
Additional Footage: Volkswagen, Damon Ristau, Getty Images
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Can Volkswagen’s Iconic Bus Make An Electric Comeback?

[@verycarey6144]

I kinda wish they made an electric one that looked like the old ones

[@enox3547]

Agreed. The styling is the disappointing part. I want a VW buss, not a VW minivan.

[@CoRektOh]

@@enox3547 Exactly! The design is such a disappointment. It looks like a stubby station wagon, not like the 'Bus'.

[@xxwookey]

People have done conversions on the old ones. Latest is by Electric Classic Cars on a 4WD vanagon in the UK.

[@CoRektOh]

@@xxwookey I've seen that. I would like it if someone where to convert the classic hippie mobile to electric. It would really fit the theme.

[@xxwookey]

@@CoRektOh ECC and Zelectric have both done a conversion of on early split-screen van, and FunFor Louis did a great series on his conversion of a T2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZiUhX-sjt56bLM kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaK2fqeVn6x5rpo

[@gravityissues5210]

The original Bus was all about that cab-forward design, which is gone forever, due to safety concerns. It was also about the simplicity--an air-cooled engine you could tear down and rebuild yourself (the classic book _How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive_ showed you how do to this for the Bug...that book appears to still be in print). Those days are also gone forever. So, what we have left is just an electric van, trading in on nostalgia, it seems.

[@cms9902]

I believe they are now called appliances, as in your washing machine. One has one wheel, and a Buzz has four haha

[@Yowzoe]

Marketing hype and spin leaks out of this POS piece from beginning to end. "Love the Earth": cringe meaningless soulless PR BS.

[@cms9902]

We have the ID Buzz in the UK, at £60.000. It's no longer 'affordable'.

[@andrewallen9993]

I'm still driving the one I bought 40 years ago for 30 pounds!

[@VanBurenOfficial]

Old man Charles should give everyone a few quid! He's rich as a snitch and can pay for my bus mate!

[@alexeimscruz2893]

The best alternative to the Buzz is electrifying those old school Kombis for more style and zip on the road... already some enthusiasts have electrified old Beetles...

[@StevieLeigh]

In Australia, european cars have pretty much never been affordable

[@rochcarothers-ts3jx]

Yes,what kids could afford,big enough to travel and sleep overnights 🚐

[@TheOneCleanHippy]

It looks completely different. It just looks like a regular mini-van now. If I saw that on the street, I would not think it was a VW bus, I would think it was just a normal modern mini-van.

[@icomefromcanadia2783]

Awesome looking bus. Sad to hear that North America is only getting the oversized long wheel base version. The normal Buzz looks more than big enough; not all North Americans want oversized vehicles. :(

[@BrightWendigo]

Especially not the people who are getting an electric vehicle 😂

[@tarstarkusz]

With a starting price of over 54k Euros it shares absolutely nothing with the Type II. Also, the only people who have the warm fuzzies of the type 2 is boomers.

[@DIYglenn]

The EU version is a normal 5 seater Transporter. Nothing special about it. Range is awful, loading capacity is low and the infotainment system, buttons on steering wheel (hybrid touch) etc is absolutely horrible. The car is “cool” but in reality just a large ID.x model, with the same issues all the other ones have. They’ve really failed when you compare it to the concept car. I really hope the LWB will be more true to the concept and the legacy. With panoramic roof and more space. I’m already guessing they won’t be able to produce a car with both panoramic roof and a tow bar.

[@tarstarkusz]

@@pine111 The US market is fundamentally different than the EU market. Americans drive longer distances. Plus gas is cheaper.

[@icomefromcanadia2783]

@@pine111 The problem we have on Canada and The US now though is that OEMs have killed off all the alternatives. So ppl started buying big SUVs because they wanted them, but now it's not a choice cause it's pretty much all that's available if you want to buy new.

[@cliffmorgan31]

I drove a ‘56 VW bus in the late ‘60s… I loved it! Awesome, simple, delightful, practical, and very affordable. In the ‘70s & ‘80’s the huge price increases plus the arrogance of the company (and its dealers) completely turned me off. I still have a soft nostalgic spot for the early bus, but I’ll certainly admire the new ones from afar!

[@BalakeHart-nh4xh]

Had a 67 VW panel

[@cliffmorgan31]

@@BalakeHart-nh4xh Mine was a mid ‘50s. It was our family car before it was passed down to me in the mid ‘60s. It was originally 36 horsepower, I believe, but it was pretty good at everything but highway speeds….

[@mikeshafer]

I really miss the original style. I'm happy the VW bus is back in an all-electric model, but I just wish it had that super cool original style. It also needs NACS and 300mi of range for sure.

[@Krobra91]

that style though probably cant be reproduced due to regulatory reasons ad safety reasons

[@relaxnation1773]

@@Krobra91 i would not know why not? its mainly for aerodynamics i think

[@binflydushy]

To completely transfer the original look would be impossible with todays safety regulations and Airbags etc

[@normlang1994]

Totally agree. And I'm sure they could do a retro design that meets modern automotive requirements. Design aesthetics don't require original materials or build.

[@Badassbud420]

Exactly bro ..this new bus is ugly AF

[@theMLBfan]

The price is way too high and it's odd that they announced this almost two years before it's US launch date.

[@Teehashee]

completely unbuyable compared to it's dirt cheap predecessor

[@alanmauries2184]

Price will make or break if the ID. Buzz will be a success. I also think it’s been priced too high for the average buyer.

[@relaxnation1773]

@@alanmauries2184 in europe (belgium) i have seen a lot of them driving around the past year so there is definitely demand

[@PDXNY]

You also have to realize that the average price of a new vehicle in the US is $48,000! All vehicles, EV or ICE, have become very expensive.

[@lukem9707]

European prices include sales tax (VAT) of 20% up to 23%. Also their pricing is much higher than in USA and same cars tend to cost 30% more than here in the US.

[@beelikemizu604]

If they put out a model that clones that 60s body style, that would probably sell like crazy.

[@starofgideon]

Agreed! 👍🏾💯

[@nancychace8619]

Retro - 👍

[@ISuperTed]

In the UK a reasonable spec version is $90,000+. It won’t matter to people with more money than sense but they really have seen you coming with this one!

[@nettcologne9186]

In the UK you earn an average of 9000 dollars less than in Germany or France. The UK is a very small and negligible market!

[@Lando-kx6so]

​@@nettcologne9186earn 9k less than France & Germany? That's a damn lie

[@rickiehoxton]

@@nettcologne9186that’s why car manufacturers make right hand drive cars right? Or is that just so that they can sell to New Zealand? Massive market there..

[@rebapuck5061]

I still have my '66 camper and '67 singlecab. I think the busses (and bugs) biggest attraction is their ability to be anything you want. You could custom the heck out if them and they were still VWs.

[@brianpotter8265]

Here's the difference. In 1950 a type 2 had an MSRP of $1995 which is about $25,000 today. The new One cost almost three times that. Also in 1950 the average house price was about $7354 which is about $93,000 today. That means that the new van along with many other new vehicles cost almost as much as a house did in 1950.

[@cusman]

I look forward to day I can go to my local VW dealership and test drive one of these. Good chance I'll buy if they keep to MSRP pricing (no markups), and I am satisfied with everything else that is important to get answers on before buying any EV (charging, range, warranty, safety, infotainment / technology, etc).

[@thunderb00m]

Good chance the stealership will gouge anyone who tries to look at the sticker. Especially since its gonna be imported it will be in short supply. No anyone is getting these at MSRP

[@cusman]

@@thunderb00m That has been the case with all the EVs I have checked sticker on since they started following Tesla's lead. But I won't buy any until they are reasonably priced. I don't have any urgent need to be willing to pay above MSRP. In the past, I think I have generally paid below MSRP and at 3% or lower financing. I won't accept the new norm without exhausting my patience and I have ample patience.

[@thunderb00m]

@@cusman they have ample greed and an endless supply of stupid people who will pay whatever they say. Easy to see who would win.

[@sc-sp4cm]

normally car retailers mark up the price soon as the car is on the lot by $5000 or $10,000 and this is what you see on the bill sheet, then they will reduce the price $2500 or $5000 and call it a markdown... this is how they make money and most people fall for this... i'll never by a EV, i prefer to buy old cars, 1950s or 1960s cars, easier to work on, cheaper usually, and you don't need to plug them into a aging power grid to get them power to run.. better keep a solar panel in your EV just incase in winter you get trapped in a big snow storm.. so you can at least keep your heater going

[@tarstarkusz]

The official model name is the leg-remover 5000.

[@tirame001]

If they made this a Hybrid I would be all over it.

[@xxwookey]

The problem with the new Buzz is that there is a lot less space inside than the old one, primarily because the seat is so much further back. Even the longer US LWB variant. It's also pretty bloody expensive. I expect I'll buy one as it's the best electric camper base currently available, but I hope we'll get better in the future.

[@laurin_203]

Here in Germany most VW Buses you see on the road is T5 or T6. The ID Buzz (T7) got more critics because it looks more like blown up VW Golf or VW Sharan because most people don’t realize it’s a comeback of T2

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

It is rubbish in my view. T6 Diesel, manual transmission is the last well made workhorse.

[@Denis-zo6qo]

ID Buzz is not the T7. The T7 is based on the Golf platform MQB while the ID Buzz is based on the MEB platform for electric vehicles.

[@WhiteWolfos]

Imo they would stand out in the US if it ever gets the oval headlights because it's just that much more attractive. It looks happy vs the aggressive look and that just fits the VW bus. Too many vans here already sport the aggressive lights

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

@@WhiteWolfos Interesting observation. I too dislike the "storm trooper" look that many vehicles have today, but did not make the connection in this case. :)

[@sathyawadis]

A price point around $38000-42000 would sell waves of these in the US! If Volkswagen wants to bring this back to US market, they should consider the volume over price! Adoption will be fast due to its multi utility features!

[@Mrbeahz1]

But it won't be.

[@rtz549]

Better bring that price down.

[@dusk1947]

I've always wanted one of these. And I think the Type 2 was probably a good choice for American tastes. It's the cargo and camping capabilities which I find most appealing, in addition to it's iconic look. I do wish they kept the T1's front end though as it's by far the most iconic styling. The Trick to it's original marketing was, to quote the promo "The size and packaging efficiency... super reliable, and affordable". It still has to meet all 3 to succeed. I think my only hesitation would be the seeming lack of charging infrastructure here in the US. The vehicle's lineage is that of road trips. And the US's EV support infrastructure still falls off a cliff once you leave a metro area. (that's changing, but we're not there yet)

[@daveunderwood6498]

One thing I have noticed all of my adult life, over 40 years. Automobile manufacturers never give the public what they want or would like. They have, in the last 5 or so years, developed engineering failures especially in EVs. A properly engineered hybrid should get 100+ mpg but they would rather force you to buy an EV that can't go anywhere and destroys the planet making them. It's all a scam.

[@The_Ballo]

LOL, let me give you the real top three marks this vehicle has to meet: 1) Range 2) Range 3) Range Nobody is going to buy this as a getaway vehicle if you can't use it to get away.

[@tkreitler]

I had a '74 bus and wouldn't ever want one of that generation again. It didn't have enough power to keep up with traffic- especially on hills. The heat was almost non-existent. Because you sit on top of the front wheels, crossing railroad tracks could be painful. It would get blown all over the road on windy days. This new ID Buzz is sure to eliminate all of those issues and I would consider buying one..

[@ksoman953]

As fun as this looks and sounds on paper, it needs to be seen how many are actually sold and hit the road. Nostalgia rebirths have often misfired.

[@enox3547]

This will flop because they missed the mark. The styling is the disappointing part. I want a VW buss, not a VW minivan.

[@acmelka]

As the child of hippies I spent a good deal of my youth in one of these and rejoice to see it rise again. Sad that it isn't something that anyone can learn to repair and keep running.

[@nancychace8619]

You hit on it. The old buses and bugs really were cars for the people. They were simple, easy to manage, fun and economical to drive, could go far on just one tank of gas, and anyone could fix them. You didn't have to spend an arm and a leg. All you needed was the Idiot's book - 😀

[@williambrightman1375]

I'm from a VW family, 1 fastback, Multiple Bugs, The 1 I always wanted was a Micro-Bus. ​@@nancychace8619

[@WhiteWolfos]

I still wish they could've kept the front and back design with round LED headlights but more importantly at the front.

[@bsbro]

I love the concept and would consider this as my next car, but at that price tag... This isn't a "people's car" anymore. I would have preferred they offered us a gas variant for a cheaper price tag.

[@Ponyjon]

I have a 1971 Type 2 T2 bay window camper all original. My father was the original owner and I've been taking care of it ever since. Everybody has a story to tell me when they see it!

[@skyscraperfan]

They became more and more luxury over time. There have been versions for over $150,000.

[@CalvinL.Stevens]

I've seen one with a Porsche 911 Turbo engine, axis and suspension for over 150k Euros here in Germany.

[@skyscraperfan]

@@CalvinL.Stevens Of course there is no upper limit, but those $150,000 was just a maxed out configuration that you could actually choose with the official car configurator. I will check how much the maxed out version costs now. I think it is less than in the past.

[@grahamcook9289]

I would think a EV Beetle would be a good idea as it has a very aerodynamic shape and must therefore have a low coefficient of drag, which helps EV range at higher speed, such as freeway driving.

[@The_Ballo]

Perfect for.....Kansas

[@ronalddevine9587]

Many years ago I purchased a brand new Beetle. I've never had more trouble with any new car. That plus emissions-gate, I really don't see myself buying anything made by them. Currently driving a Nissan Rogue and love it.

[@linusa2996]

Isn't the Nissan CEO a fugitive?

[@edrcozonoking]

​@@linusa2996I think the "rouge" was named after him. 😂😂😂

[@kalef1234]

Rogue is a nice vehicle. I'm still driving my pre emissions gate 2000 Jetta TDI love it

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@P2B_JC I can only speak from my experiences. I find it very comfortable, reliable, and great on gas- I've gotten up to 42 mpg. Very nice language on your part.

[@no.planman]

As much as I love the idea in itself, the automotive standards of today are way too different to make something like this work. I have seen these things drive around for a few months now, and I can't get my head around the waste of space in the front. It looks like the driver is sitting somewhere halfway of the bus and behind a humongous dash. That to me is a huge no, as this vehicle is supposed to have lots of cargo space, which is now eaten up in favor of the retro look. I drive a T6 myself and I'm absolutely loving it, I wish VW would've made an electric evolution of that.

[@Mark-rt6fy]

You need front crumple zone to pass iihs/nhtsa. There is no going back to t1

[@no.planman]

@@Mark-rt6fy my point exactly

[@sahhull]

I was reading about the new electric VW Bus. (Buzz) The Germans want the UK to change the law so people with a normal driving license can drive it. Due to the weight of the batteries. You would need a C1 license. So much for exploring in the electric Buzz and its short 200 mile range. Likely to be 120miles after you add the weight of stuff for your trip. Good luck with the recharge in the countryside.

[@xxwookey]

That's the camper variant, which ends up heavy. The current cargo model is 2400Kg. I'm surprised the conversion adds 600Kg? (I have a C1 licence so don't actually care :-)

[@sahhull]

@@xxwookey my driving license is old and green paper.. I can drive a 7.5 ton truck on my car license. I still wouldn't want one of those EVs. I hired one for my business. Too short a range when loaded, too long to charge and since I cannot charge at home, public charging is sketchy.. Being 4 deep waiting g for a charger that's going to take 2 hours is time I'm not earning. It cost me time, money and customers. I'll stay with diesel.

[@xxwookey]

@@sahhull Fair enough. We all have to stop burning stuff eventually but if you can't charge at home or at work it is obviously a lot less convenient (and more expensive). And yes charging is best done whilst you are doing something else, not actually just waiting. Did you try a Buzz or some other van? There are lots of vans out there with truly crummy range _and_ very slow charging (like the env200 or kangoo). OK for deliveries, but not much else. The buzz does at least have useful range (over 200 miles and very fast charging (170kW) if you can find a fast-enough charger. Those will get a lot more common over the next few years.

[@sahhull]

@@xxwookey It was an eNV200 I hired. I hired it for a month... Gave it back after 2 weeks. I'll stay with my 470,000 mile Vauxhall Combo diesel till it dies.

[@callalilycollective]

Pending the price point, final specs, and availability, I would love to get one to go with my 1973 Bay Window Bus.

[@mackpines]

I love this new design. Has that awesome retro and modern combination look. I should talk Dad into buying one for his retirement.

[@enox3547]

The styling is the disappointing part. I want a VW buss, not a VW minivan.

[@williamkuhns2387]

The "Achilles heel" of the VW micro bus is head-on collisions are rarely survivable at higher speeds. I knew a fellow student (surfer) from high school that got into a minor head-on and both legs were crushed. The VW micro bus was not originally designed to drive and compete out on roads and highways. In Germany they were delivery vans to drive short distances around town at town speed.

[@shsd4130]

Clarification @ 11:40: By 2030, EVs are expected to make up more than 60% of vehicle sales globally, not more than 60% of all vehicles

[@linusa2996]

Due to government mandates, not normal market growth

[@Psi-Storm]

@@linusa2996 It's normal market growth. New technology always follows the same adoption curve. Slow growth to 10% adoption rate, then exponential growth until it reaches 80% of new sales, and then it takes forever to get the laggards to switch over too.

[@linusa2996]

@Psi-Storm nothing to do with California mandating all new passenger vehicles sold in California be ev's thus ensuring that 60-70% of the cars sold in the US will be ev's even if only 2% of the cars sold 49 states are ev's.

[@BoomerPlusUltra]

@@linusa2996never mind that the vast majority of EV owners love their cars and plan on never going back to gas.

[@linusa2996]

@@BoomerPlusUltra depends on how the car will hold up over time

[@grayknight836]

The styling and the utility of the 60s VW buses 🚌 were exceptional! Over the years, I’ve seen some cool 😎 VW bus 🚌 🏄🏻‍♂️ concepts with trailers, but they never came to fruition.

[@xiaoka]

I used to have one back in the day… your knees are the front bumper! 😂

[@cidercik]

I'm from a VW family, have had all the bus types, fast back, c.ghia, etc. I will be buying the ID Buzz. BUT make the back windows openable!!!!!!

[@hkad6252]

The US spec has those windows in the windows in the rear and they are electric.

[@cidercik]

@@hkad6252 Thanks for that. Now only if I was in the US....

[@wighatsuperreggie]

The whole point of the bus was that you could sleep in the back of it easily, or have a little table. I haven’t seen a new one with those same features.

[@strredwolf]

I can see the Buzz as a fleet vehicle currently. VW should also introduce a hybrid Bus with solar power generation for the immediate future market in the US, with camper and van options. I can see myself with said camper, but not with anything else.

[@kevinamundsen7646]

Yes! A small gasoline engine for charging and camping (like the BMW i3) would be the perfect accessory! And solar on the roof, of course! As a soon-to-be retiree, it would be the perfect over-the-road camper. But on my retirement income, I could never afford it. I was a Beetle TDI driver and put almost 100,000 miles on it. It was very good, and it was a Peoples Car. People nowadays don't have much money. This is a rich man's Microbus. My Toyota FJ is 15 years old, it can tow my camper, and I will have to keep it. We are a Volkswagen family and have owned and driven upwards of a dozen of them, including a bus, but not any more. Too expensive, just like everything else. The 1999 Beetle was a terrific bargain at $18,000. When I saw the Toureg at $45,000 I thought, you've got to be kidding.

[@r8chlletters]

If they made the old ones but electric they would sell like crazy.

[@ezekielochieng8941]

Classic design for the Type 2 from 1950 to 1967 which is actually the one to decorate, but they should have put a 150 hp engine at least. Call me barbaric but it needed more power

[@svenhodaka9145]

I’ve had a T2, a T3 Westfalia, now fixing up a T4 Westfalia. Good Times! Everyone of them. ✌️😁

[@jublacabra]

My wife and I have a 1983 Westfalia Vanagon that we did a Subaru conversion to (among so many other things) a couple years back. This van is cool but it's missing the soul of those old VWs. Something about cars before the 90s/2000s had so much style and substance.

[@yahanwiwi]

I wonder how wide the trunk is and if the wheel protrude up like SUVS into the rear cab. Basically can it fit drywall.

[@xiaoka]

At that price it’s not a work truck…

[@svenlima]

@CNBC After complaining many times about the background music being much too loud, I just want to say that in this video it is the way it should be. The narrator is perfectly understandable. Thanks.

[@Davett53]

So cool! I was in high school beginning in 1969, and all cool (proto-hippies), the earliest ones,....drove VW Bugs, and Mini-busses. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. In fact you could rely on being picked up by a bunch of long haired hippies crammed into a VW Beetle or Microbus, if you were hitch-hiking, in our town or on the highway. Many of my high school friends drove them. Some drove the VW Beetle convertibles, and rag tops. Other's had the older (60s) VW microbuses, and couple had the newest 1970s VW minivans & transporters. In 1970, my brother-in-law, owned a 1970 VW Microbus, and I learned how to drive a "stick shift", in it. Later, when I went off to college in 1972, down to Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio we used it to get all my gear, bedding, clothing to where my dormitory was, on the East Green.

[@jensee2691]

I wish they would make the car like 1950's. But, the bus today is cool. I like it

[@mikeklinger1712]

About time someone in the EV world remembers us minivan drivers😂

[@Tokamak3.1415]

Toyota is pushing electrification.... the Sienna EV should be here by 3025. Chrysler will have a BEV minivan before Honda or Toyota. Kia will drop the Carnival and just push the EV9. Mercedes Sprinter might actually be a reasonable contender considering loaded minivans are over $60K now.

[@M13x13M]

Much more functional design than the cyber truck .

[@temporalsoliton]

The Scout brand (purchased by vw and coming to market in a couple of yrs) will make a greater impact. What this piece is short on is details and the vw bus became somewhat popular (inflated by lore than reality) is because it was a mini van before other manufacturers made mini vans. As soon as Dodge and others turned their attention from wagons to making mini vans, vw's version was driven out of the us market. At roughly a $60k starting price and out of vogue body style, it is certainly not a car of the people and only offers something slightly different. It is an interesting design and the underpinnings of the European Ford explorer ev but not going to make much of a dent in the US market.

[@dicksanders8206]

I had a 1968 VW bus Camper. It was truly great.

[@ceceliamoreno1845]

I’m ready for a new beetle!!! I had a 73 red super beetle in 1976. My first car!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@velcroman11]

The REAL VW Combi always reminded me of a DC3 that has had its instrument panel stripped out. A beautiful vehicle in evert way.

[@TimeTheory2099]

Thanks CNBC news 👍 Cool man, real cool ✌️😃✌️

[@thewavehunter]

U folks at CNBC do a great job on these auto-related “series” stories - topical and informative. Please produce more.

[@yoursubconscious]

just walked by one of these here in Bangkok. It looked nice.m

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

This will become the vanlifer's dream vehicle.

[@ALWH1314]

VW BUS was known for economic family, so this European model price at 54 thousand is not cheap. It may be trendy for the rich but no longer an affordable choice.

[@cris471]

My Dad had one, loved it ! Bring it back !

[@bigtxbullion]

Wife has wanted one of these for years. Waiting patiently as the VW group gets it all figured out. But Damn, 54k euros as a proximate guess puts this one as a helluva premium vehicle compared to the originals, which were economical. Can get a hybrid f150 for that price.

[@alexeimscruz2893]

The best alternative to the Buzz is electrifying those old school Kombis for more style and zip on the road... already some enthusiasts have electrified old Beetles...

[@Zeke2p9]

This reminds me of Mustang Mach - E where the concept is so far removed from the original you really should call it something else.

[@Ari-zp4dd]

love the design

[@FreedomToRoam86]

I saw a lot of new looking VW bugs in Germany in France last month. So I think VW has that in mind if the VW van takes off again Of note, I did not look closely to see if the VW beetles in Europe were electric or if they were gas cars. But they sure look good!

[@kaustubhgadgil8548]

Its not at all quirky in design. Its just a normal minivan design

[@andromedach]

If VW wants a winner in the US they need to have an ID.Beetle Convertible. EV and convertible were meant to go together

[@nancychace8619]

It'd be cool if they did a retro EV like the old ones. I had 2 at different times back in the day. They were fantastic! One was a factory original camper that had been bought originally in Germany and shipped to the US. It had the pop-out windows in the front. Leaked like a sieve. Loved that car. The other one we customed it out - cut out the original roof and built a shingled roof top. I drove it across the US and back. It was my dear old friend. I traveled with the Idiot's book of VW repair - the comprehensive manual of Volkswagon repair for the complete Idiot and did most of my own work on the car. Lol! I almost ran myself over once when the car wouldn't start and I had to crawl underneith with the Idiot's book to jump start the solenoid! Omg! They should definitely make a camper version of this one, with a pop top so you can have more room to stand up in it when you camp 🙂

[@ambition112]

0:01: 🚌 The Volkswagen bus, known for its iconic style, is making a comeback as an electric vehicle. 3:11: 🚌 The Volkswagen bus, also known as the Type 2, became an iconic symbol of counterculture in the US due to its practicality, affordability, and association with antiwar and civil rights movements. 6:17: 🚌 The Volkswagen bus, a cultural icon in America, has gone through several generations and is now making a comeback as an electric vehicle. 9:16: 🚌 Volkswagen is bringing back the ID Buzz as an electric vehicle, catering to the changing tastes of families. 12:10: 🚗 The ID Buzz is an electric vehicle that brings sentimentality and excitement, serving as a halo vehicle for VW. Recap by Tammy AI

[@goldeneastgun]

The original is better than the concept, the concept is better than the final production model. As usual, they chickened out and this news media cycle is speaking to the modern day yuppie by tugging on those nostalgic heart strings. Don't be fooled by this marketing tactic.

[@Rudenbehr]

Consumer, you do not want to consoom the bus?!!!!??

[@goldeneastgun]

@@gerhardma4297 I understand but as a designer myself, I get tired of good ideas being hijacked by engineers and corporate execs. Considering the incredible variety of vehicles out there, are you telling me that they aren't able to repurpose the original bus design or the new concept and bring it up to current standards? I'm not an engineer but from what little I know, I find that hard to believe. Your second point of cost saving is more likely, combined with a lack of vision. The result is another pedestrian vehicle... electrified with new lipstick.

[@bellarose6509]

Love that old bus!❤

[@morenofranco9235]

Who remembers the sticker: "If this bus is rockin' - Don't bother knockin' "?

[@skelious]

They lost me at the front lights style, that was a clear indicator for me as a kid,

[@jenniferhill9924]

VW: Literally the one, singular good idea from a genuine monster.

[@1237tnb]

I was excited to hear about the electric VW bus, but this feels like a miss. American don't like minivans, so I will be interested to see how this non-bus does.

[@timothykeith1367]

I never rode in one, but recall my dad passing them crawling up modest slopes. I like the way they look, but they lack oomph .

[@aimeeinkling]

VW's mistake...They "innovated" the nostalgia out of the bus. It's not retro enough. They should have leaned heavily into the styling of the original bus. Instead, they made it look like a mini van...which it is.

[@isferfun3909]

This is great news for US buyer. AND hopefully VW will add solar roof to help recharge the battery even just parking under the sun plus capability to power a small house when electricity is out. Now that will boost the brand and sales for utility hungry America. 😊

[@MaxMustermann-yj1wz]

T1's aerodynamics where on another level. 😅

[@fetB]

11:14 anyone know the location?

[@johnbee7729]

Luv the Buzz. Won't be first in line, but will be seeing one in the drive at some time.

[@warrenvanaswegen8565]

Variant of the 80s bus and not the 50/60 that is so beloved.

[@martinguila]

I think it would be more successful if it looked just like a T1. If you like the old buses you dont want it to look modern. A modern version just looks like a modern van.

[@grumpycat9065]

10/10 would buy, if I had the money 😢😢😢. Would nickname mine "The Hippie Mobile" for sure.

[@linusa2996]

This version would be Richie Rich mobile

[@grumpycat9065]

@@linusa2996Yup sadly. Would love to own one and call it my hippie mobile. I do love to see some classic vehicles being revived as electric vehicles.

[@jungleno.]

The originally styled hippie Mobile is what everyone wants back. Not an overpriced electric woke version.

[@linusa2996]

@@jungleno. Oh please, don't bring "woke" into this, it does not even apply, if anything the stripped down, minimalist original is the embodiment of "woke" as they were the hippe, flower power, free love, love all races and gender group

[@grumpycat9065]

@@jungleno. Read what you just wrote. Now let me ask you, what where hippies considered during their time? What would they be considered during our time? I would love them to bring the classic no doubt, but an electric version is fine as well. The problem of course will be the price tag.

[@Dontworry1]

You guys forgot to talk about the VW Bulli prototype they showcased before the ID Buzz

[@triciahughes4331]

It doesn’t even look like the old bus which is what I would want. Looks far more like a minivan. Retro it up!

[@odiggler]

VW needs to sell us on quality and dependability, nostalgia alone won't cut it! For decades they have slipped in those departments.

[@oeao2841]

The guy said this brings back the past like no other...umm they brought back the Hummer as an EV

[@starvingbymidnight]

"Hippie Mobile" lol

[@brunoheggli2888]

Mindblowing,gamechanging!

[@xchopp]

How does it fare via Kia EV9, probably its closest competitor??

[@scrubjay93]

Looks like your average minivan - zero style. Love the old ones.

[@benmartinez8443]

As long as the can make it sound like the old VW buses. The sound an old VW bus is half the character of it.

[@yolo_burrito]

Wasn’t the Kombi was specifically for the bus with the bed? Being combination bus truck.

[@BalakeHart-nh4xh]

As teen had a 67 panel VW van...fun times..

[@joseph-ow1hf]

I hope it doesn't suffer the same fate as other retro themed cars, where they come out strong, then the novelty wears off and sales plummet. VW's own 'new' Beatle for example. As a VW fanboy. (I own a Sportwagon w/ a lot of mods, inc GTI suspension) I hope it succeeds in the US. I'd love to have one of these, but too expensive for my budget to buy new. But then again, all new cars are very expensive now.

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

Looks good but only plan on using it in your own state. Charging ports are very few across the country.

[@nlp6082]

I remember it on Scooby Doo 😆 Can’t wait to see it on the road!

[@skellener]

Starting at $60k (only in long version, no shorty version like Europe gets) and no incentives since batteries aren’t made in the US. 😢

[@kevinmcgrane4279]

It’s cute, and reminiscent of the minibus. I think it has a bit more personality than most (all?) of the family vans on the market. Let’s see the cost, though.

[@freakinchrist]

They've been reinventing it for more than 10 years.