It seems that everything is becoming futuristic – even the iconic Volkswagon van, favorite of flower children and hippies across the 60s and 70s.
At least, I know the vehicle definitely makes an appearance whenever a Hollywood director takes the reins of a period film set in the era of free love.
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Following a successful Detroit Auto Show presentation in 2017, Volkswagen (VW) promised delivery of a new, electric version of their classic van starting in 2022. They’re calling the car the I.D. Buzz, and it will be available in the United States, Europe, and China.
The new ride resembles the original microbus but with significant updates: a 369 horsepower engine, an electric motor on every axle, and an 111 kWh battery pack that should let you drive an estimated 300 miles without any gasoline.
It’ll also recharge to 80% battery in under 30 minutes.
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Volkswagen’s Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr. Herbert Diess, said that, for him, “the I.D. Buzz concept is the most beautiful and most exciting electric car in the world. Our goal is clear: we want to make the fully electric, fully connected car a bestseller around the world.”
They’re also proud of the fact that the van will be, in their words, “affordable,” though until it hits the market we won’t know exactly what that means.
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The car will also feature a Modular Electric Drive kit, a front trunk, and three rows of seats that can be rearranged easily to suit drivers’ needs. They also plan to include an automated pilot mode, popup laser scanners in the roof, and an optional fold-up steering wheel.
I don’t know about my fellow GenXers (and younger generations), but I have no nostalgic love for this particular ride…and I still kind of want to take one for a spin.
How about you?
