A New Era for Minivans: The Electric Revolution
The fact that the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the first fully electric minivan is a telling sign of the times. The van industry has lagged behind in electrification, making the Buzz a welcome development.
A nostalgic nod to the past: The ID. Buzz alongside a vintage Microbus.
The Buzz isn’t just an electric vehicle; it’s a stylish and practical one. It boasts a distinctive design, moves away from the traditional minivan aesthetic. This futuristic design is something that few rivals can match.
The Buzz: A Breath of Fresh Air
It’s almost unbelievable that the ID. Buzz is the first electric minivan for consumers. Other vehicle types, such as compact cars and sedans, have long embraced electrification. Many other EVs, like electric bikes and scooters, are all over the place, yet the big van makers lagged.
This hesitation makes sense to a certain degree. Vans are inherently practical workhorses, and range has always been a key consideration. But with EV range increasing, the need to stop at gas stations every week is diminishing. The ID. Buzz offers up to 234 miles (about 377 kilometers) on a single charge. That’s a lot of driving for the typical family, or anyone who wants to haul bikes, passengers or packages around town.
Beyond the Electric Powertrain
The ID. Buzz has a genuinely fresh and futuristic look. Compare it to something like the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, which, aesthetically, feels like a vehicle that time forgot. The Buzz actually invites a sense of adventure. It almost makes you want to load up a bike or a surfboard and head for the beach—even if its price tag puts it out of reach for many potential buyers.
The interior of the Buzz is also a highlight. Its boxy shape provides a surprisingly spacious cabin, making trips to the airport and installing child seats easier than expected. Available voice controls, a large touchscreen display, and advanced safety features all add to the experience. The design team has clearly put some effort into the details.
The ID. Buzz offers a compelling combination of style and capability.
The Price of Progress: Addressing the Cost Factor
The main obstacle to wide adoption of the Buzz is its price. With a starting price of $61,545, it’s significantly more expensive than its gasoline-powered competitors. This price difference might make it less attractive to younger buyers. Many of them struggle to find full-time jobs, let alone afford a new car.
What’s needed is a more affordable version of the ID. Buzz. A smaller, stripped-down model, with less range and fewer features, could broaden its appeal. While an EV will still command a premium price, it would at least make it more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
The Road Ahead: An Electric Future
Electric vehicles are the future, so VW has a plan. What I’d love to see, then, is a smaller, stripped-down version of the Buzz, maybe something akin to a Honda Element without the off-road focus. Less range, a smaller touchscreen, and fewer autonomous features would also be acceptable sacrifices in my books. The resulting vehicle still wouldn’t be a budget model — most EVs are over $30,000 — but it would at least be in the realm of affordability for those of us making monthly payments. Maybe then we’ll actually see a bunch of college grads piling out of a Buzz in Santa Cruz.
