VW’s I.D. Buzz Cargo Van Concept Blasts from the Past and into the Future

The Volkswagen Type 2 (aka Transporter, Kombi or Microbus) became an icon of hippie cool and flower power back in the 70s. Now, a new VW van looks to become the symbol of power of another sort.

Meet the I.D. Buzz electric microbus, a van concept that rides on the electric MEB (short for Modularer Elektrifizierungsbaukasten, which literally means: 'Modular Electrification Kit') platform. VW believes its new platform is a good fit for its planned all-electric powered van because of its low center of gravity and ability to clear up interior space.

The Cargo version in particular, is designed for hauling products from place to place. Dubbed as the I.D. Buzz Cargo, VW's commercial van concept features a solar roof, three front-row seats and a third row that folds down into a workstation, integrated tablet included. Suffice to say, it’s virtually an office on wheels. With a payload of over 800 kilos, the Cargo concept will have an internet-connected shelving system that can monitor all on-board items.

The I.D. Buzz Cargo is available in a variety of battery sizes to serve different commercial purposes. Although it's just a concept, it's designed to be close to production level, with the VW Group targeting to release the van to the European market by 2021--one full year earlier than the standard I.D. Buzz model.

Both vans will have an autonomous mode that allows the driver to multitask and perform other duties without affecting the ability to drive.

Clearly, both concepts are meant to be homages to the Type 2. The production versions are expected to look slightly different than the futuristic looking concept.