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Volkswagen Hippie Van Turns into Autonomous ID Buzz Cargo Hauler

Back in the 1960s, hippies all over the U.S. and parts of the UK became enchanted by the Volkswagen Type 2, as it could transport a good deal of free-spirits to anti-establishment gatherings hundreds of miles away.
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo 3 photos
Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen ID Buzz CargoVolkswagen ID Buzz Cargo
Volkswagen’s minibus became for the better part of the decade the symbol of this cultural phenomenon, perhaps more than any other vehicle in history, and was also used, not rarely, as a place to live by those willing to share.

After the movement died, so did the Bulli. At least, the one portrayed in so many movies, clips, and books, the round box with round eyes and a rear-mounted engine.

As it did several times in the past with other iconic models, Volkswagen decided to revive the design of the vee-dub starting 2022. The first concept for the future people mover, the ID Buzz, was presented in January last year.

Now, at the 2018 Hannover Motor Show, the Germans showed a new variant of the Buzz, this time one meant to ship cargo instead of humans.

Called ID Buzz Cargo, this van for hippie tomatoes is a Level 4 autonomous machine powered by electricity. Electricity which it gets from either a regular battery or from the large solar roof on top of it.

The interesting part about this concept is that it might get a production version as soon as 2021, says Volkswagen, although probably not as a Level 4 self-driving car.

The carmaker will give customers the choice of what type of battery to fit into it, depending on needs and budget, but said the concept can house a power reserve good for anywhere in between 330 and 500 km (205 to 310 miles). Add to that an extra 15 km (9 miles) from the solar cells on top.

Volkswagen places the I.D. Buzz Cargo right under the Crafter in the transportation roster, meaning it has a cargo capacity of 800 kg (1,763 lbs).

Full details on the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz Cargo can be found in the document attached below.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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