Few vehicles carry the instant recognition found with the classic VW Type 2. First introduced in 1950, the Type 2 followed up on Volkswagen’s even more iconic Type 1, the precursor to the globally recognized Beetle. The microbus was quickly adopted for its simplicity, utility, and good value. Soon after its release, it would become an icon of the 60s and 70s, particularly within the hippy subculture.
The generations that followed that legendary first generation were never able to capture the same appeal. While the later minivans provided great utility, they gradually lost the quirkiness of the original. If you took a look at the current sixth-generation microbus, you might not even realize that it comes from the same lineage.
The Revival Of An Icon
In 2017 Volkswagen unveiled its futuristic ID.BUZZ concept, an electric minivan carrying inspiration from the original microbus. While not dead set on turning the concept into a production vehicle, strong consumer interest pushed VW into a change of plans. The company would eventually announce its plans to put the ID.Buzz into production.
With the European release of the ID.BUZZ scheduled for late 2022, we have already seen a production version of the bus. Thankfully, many of the styling choices of the concept made their way into the production model, such as the prominent front logo and available two-tone paint. On top of having a fun exterior and airy interior, the ID.BUZZ boasts an electric range of over 250 miles.
While Europe will get two versions of the electric minivan, a short and long wheelbase, the US is set only to get the long-wheelbase version, fitting seven people comfortably. Additionally, the US will have to wait until 2024 before the ID.BUZZ hits American showrooms. The final specifications and pricing of the US version have not been released yet.
With the revival around the corner, we hope Volkswagen can recreate the Type 2 magic in the electric age.