The head of Volkswagen Group design, Klaus Zyciora, has celebrated World Design Day by asking Instagram: “Shall we bring it to the next level?” Zyciora was referring to the ID Buzz, but presented a rendering of a pickup concept of the retro-future van on the image-sharing platform

Zyciora’s vision takes the existing ID Buzz van and extends the wheelbase from the rear doors, adding a pickup load bed to the rear of the vehicle. The front of the concept remains the same as on the ID Buzz van, but the sliding rear door has been swapped out for a standard hinged option, leaving the cargo area open and available at all times.

The addition of the load bed would mean that, in Zyciora’s vision at least, the ID Buzz pickup concept would have fewer seats in the passenger compartment, with just two rows rather than the three as in the long-wheelbase passenger version, but adds versatility.

Volkswagen will be offering a number of configurations of the ID Buzz, beginning with the commercial Cargo version which is being released in Europe in the coming months. With a 3,900 litre, 650kg payload capacity, and a cargo area that can accommodate two euro pallets, it’s potentially a great pure electric option for small and medium operators.

Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo is basis for pickup concept

The ID Buzz Cargo will arrive in the UK with a 77kWh battery pack paired with a 201hp electric motor that drives the rear wheels. While Volkswagen hasn’t released any range expectations just yet, the same battery pack can drive the ID 4 family SUV for 317 miles.

Rapid charging will be possible, with rates of up to 170kW, allowing the Buzz to be topped up from 5% battery level to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.

Phil Huff
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