VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ LWB DEBUTS, TOYOTA TO BUILD 3-ROW EV IN US

EV Channels Review

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Long Wheelbase makes its debut, primarily adapted for the US market with a focus on increased range, rear air vents, and a glass roof. While praised for its fun design and spacious interior, offering ample room in all three rows and dedicated amenities for each seat, significant concerns are raised regarding its road-tripping capability. The expected range of 250-260 miles (EPA estimated) is deemed insufficient by reviewers, especially when factoring in highway speeds, weather, and cargo, potentially reducing real-world range to as low as 170 miles between charges. Charging speed, while improved to 200 kW, is still not considered competitive with rivals. Another major drawback is its manufacturing location outside the US, disqualifying it from federal tax credits, though a loophole may exist for leases. The new software (4.0) is highlighted as a significant improvement, being snappy and featuring useful functions like route planning and battery preconditioning. Despite these criticisms, the vehicle is expected to have strong initial demand due to its desirability and limited production, though its long-term competitiveness against other three-row EVs like the Kia EV9 and used Tesla Model X remains to be seen.