Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years. With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.
The automotive company currently has a number of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) on sale, to include:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is the latest pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. It is the first all-electric family MPV from Volkswagen. The EV shares the same MEB platform as the other Volkswagen pure electric cars. The ID. Buzz was first shown as a concept vehicle in 2017 at the North American International Auto Show.
For families keen on a practical and environmentally friendly MPV, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz is certainly worth consideration. Though it is currently available only as a 5-seater, the automotive manufacturer is expected to release a seven-seater version in due course (late 2023).
The e-Van is available in one EV battery size (77 kWh). The manufacturer claims a zero-emission electric range up to 260 miles (WLTP). Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the EV delivers a useful and practical electric range, for most day-to-day needs and for longer distance motorway driving.
For those new to electric driving, a number of factors impact the claimed range. These include: driving profile, weather conditions, road surface, wheel size, onboard services used, passenger load and more. The electric car also incorporates regenerative braking to increase the efficiency and electric range. A pure electric range closer to 225 miles is more realistic.
The VW EV offers DC charging up to 170 kW. The EV can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. The EV does incorporate a three-phase 11 kW AC onboard charger as standard. Given that most homes in the UK are powered by single-phase power supply, most of us will not be able to take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger.
For those with access to 3-phase EV charging, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours and 30 minutes. Single-phase EV charging (7.4 kW) will take just over 12 hours for a full charge.
Though the EV can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car. We at e-zoomed recommend charging overnight when the electricity prices are lower. We also recommend charging on a regular basis. This way charging times are reduced and regular charging is good for the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. The manufacturer offers a 8 years/ 100,000 miles warranty.
In terms of performance, the rear-wheel drive VW ID.Buzz electric van can achieve 0-62 mph in 10.2 seconds (maximum power: 204 PS/ torque: 310 Nm). The top speed for the EV is 90 mph. Of course, the electric car also benefits from instant torque.
The EV is well equipped. Some of the standard features include: adaptive cruise control (ACC) stop & go with speed limiter, dynamic road sign display, lane assist, park assist plus including park distance control, rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Discover Pro’ navigation system with 12 inch colour touch-screen and more.
Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-2%) tax charge for pure electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz MPV (credit: VW)
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