SimplyTheresa: Volkswagen ID.Buzz Debut Officially Confirmed for March 9

[simplytheresa]

Isn't that the big question? With their new separate software division (Cariad) I'm starting to fear the worst, though all I could find was this promise of a tierd service.

https://www.autoindustriya.com/auto-industry-news/vw-developing-new-vehicle-os-with-subscription-based-services.html

[buckworks]

>> illegal ... to use the words "just" or "only" in front of a price

I would vote for that.

[rcjordan]

VW ID. Buzz gains solar roof panels for camping and added range

https://electrek.co/2023/04/06/vw-id-buzz-gains-solar-roof-panels-for-camping-and-added-range/

[Travoli]

I'm looking forward to seeing the ID.Buzz on the road. It's a great, cheerful design. Also looking forward to the Canoo "Lifestyle Vehicle". They're just neat.

[ergophobe]

I just saw the Prius added solar panels too. It makes sense for a car that's parked a lot.

>>600W

Let's see, we get on the best days about 12kwh out of 300w array. So roughly 2kwh out of the panels. Let's say 4 since we have some shade trees. That's 5% of the total, which gives you maybe 20 miles * 14 miles* on a long summer day, or more to the point, lets you camp indefinitely without running down your battery. The latter point is something I was thinking about with EVs.

*update: Bad math. Range is 280 miles. 5% best case.

[Rupert]

I see the new trend... travel only as far as the battery allows, then wait for it to recharge and move on

How long would that take to cross America?  Never work in the UK, not enough sun.

[ergophobe]

The article says you *could* get 3000km per year. Conveniently, LA to NYC is about 4500km. So a year and a half under ideal circumstances. So say two years. I think you might still beat us across the UK. Maybe even top to bottom

[rcjordan]

TLDR: $65k, 230-ish range

https://www.fastcompany.com/91175209/vws-new-electric-microbus-is-getting-closer-to-release-heres-how-far-it-can-go-and-how-much-it-will-cost

Volkswagen's electric ID. Buzz is closer to release. Here's how far it can go—and what it will cost - Fast Company

[ergophobe]

>>TLDR: $65k, 230-ish range

Yeah, that won't be sitting in the driveway soon. I still like it and could see something along those lines in the future.

That said, the Tucson PHEV has been a great compromise - simplytheresa is currently off the grid sleeping in it while doing a 5-day nature journaling retreat. It was set up pretty sweet for a solo "camper" when she left (camper in quotes because this is at a center that also has rooms and a kitchen and showers, but she decided to save the money on the room and stay in the car).

These are key:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HYXZYMN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

We also have a tailgate tent. If the car is going to sit for a couple of days, you lift the liftgate and put this tent over it that gives extra space and a lot of airflow. Very comfy.

The tent was ordered off Theresa's account, so I don't have the exact one, but it looks like this
https://www.amazon.com/Hasika-Tailgate-Awning-Travel-Waterproof/dp/B08B5YS4B4/

[rcjordan]

Maybe don't show her this one...

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Sets Record & Wins Big "Top Minivan in 2025" Award

https://cleantechnica.com/2025/08/14/volkswagen-id-buzz-sets-record-wins-big-top-minivan-in-2025-award/

[Travoli]

Self-driving VW ID Buzz vans have made it to Austin. And soon, they'll sell you one.

https://insideevs.com/news/763105/volkswagen-id-buzz-ad-autonomous-taxi-production-version/

[ergophobe]

Oh boy! Next visit to Austin, we'll have to go for a ride.