Watch | ID. Buzz people carrier: what is its range and how fast can it charge?

Big families lead busy lives, which means they need a people carrier that can go the distance to support their big ambition. The daily school run, evening sports clubs, the weekly shop, weekend adventures and everyday commuting are all part of the remit.

So, is an all-electric people carrier like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz up to the task? We think yes. Just watch our video above to find out.

Taking its power from an advanced 77kWh lithium-ion battery and efficient motor combination, the ID. Buzz offers up to 258 miles of all-electric range. That’s enough to take you and your family from London all the way to Middlesborough in one hit, or cope with nearly two weeks of short daily commutes, all without the need to plug in.

Speaking of which, the ID. Buzz also offers rapid charging capabilities that help keep you and your family moving out on the open road. Simply find a 170kW rapid charger, and the ID. Buzz can be topped-up from 5% to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes – just enough time to squeeze in lunch, or a toilet break and a cup of coffee.

The ID. Buzz so good, in fact, that our discerning road testers made it our Overall Car of the Year 2023 thanks to its superb driving characteristics, versatile practicality and strong resale values. Couple all this with ultra-low running costs, all the latest safety and infotainment technology, and eye-catching looks, and it’s clear that the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz can go the distance for even the biggest family lives.

Read more: VW ID. Buzz electric car review

ID. Buzz: big range for big adventures

From kayaking in Cornwall and sunbathing in Somerset, to sightseeing in Scotland and walking in Wales, family adventures can take you anywhere (and they usually do). That means you need a people carrier that can go the distance. So, is an all-electric passenger carrier like the ID. Buzz up to the task? Short answer: yes.

Taking its power from advanced, low-slung lithium-ion batteries and an efficient yet powerful electric motor, the ID. Buzz offers up to 258 miles of all-electric range (WLTP). That’s enough to get from north London to the Lake District in one go, or to do nearly two weeks of driving 20 miles a day (the national average) without the need to charge^[1].

To help you make the most of every mile, Volkswagen’s intuitive We Connect^[2] ID. app offers a wealth of additional features. Through your phone you can preheat the ID. Buzz’s battery to help you start with maximum range, or you can send directions directly to the Buzz’s onboard navigation system, locate chargers near your route and destination, and even control when charging starts and stops – all from the comfort of your home.

Not only does the ID. Buzz have the range for big adventures, but with 204PS and 310Nm of instant electric torque, you have all the electric power you need to carry family, friends and everyone’s luggage without breaking a sweat.

ID. Buzz: rapid charging that keeps you moving

Charging is still one of the biggest question marks when it comes to electric cars: how fast, how often, and how much? Well, the all-electric ID. Buzz makes it easy and simple, meaning you don’t have to compromise on family time.

Most families will opt to charge regularly overnight at home. This makes the most of cheaper electric rates to help slash running costs, while also giving you a full battery each and every morning – meaning your ID. Buzz is ready for any fun-filled day ahead. But it’s when the ID. Buzz gets out on the open road that things get really impressive.

Use the We Connect smartphone app to find your nearest 170kW rapid charger, and the ID. Buzz will top-up from 5% to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. And with the ID. Buzz’s no-faff Plug & Charge feature^[3], you don’t have to download numerous apps – simply plug-in and the Buzz will communicate directly with any charger – it’s that simple.

This gives you and your passengers just enough time to grab some lunch and nip to the toilet before heading on the next leg of your adventure. Or, you can use the ID. Buzz’s seven USB-C ports, smartphone integration or built-in on-board Wi-Fi hotspot to charge a multitude of devices and stay entertained.

Other benefits of all-electric driving

So we know the ID. Buzz has the range and the charging to fuel your family’s passions. But what other benefits come from going electric? As we’ve mentioned, cheap overnight charging can massively reduce your weekly fuel bill compared to a diesel or petrol alternative: and there’s more.

Thanks to zero tailpipe emissions, you won’t pay any road tax on an ID. Buzz for the 2023/24 financial year, while the ID. Buzz’s electric power means you can drive into any clean air zone (CAZ) or ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) without paying a penny – that could save you as much as £12.50 per day for trips into cities like London.

But it’s not just about money. The ID. Buzz electric car features environmentally friendly materials throughout its cabin, while each and every ID. Buzz is delivered to buyers with complete carbon neutrality – that’s going above and beyond.

So, with plenty of range, rapid charging to keep you on the move, ultra-low running costs and a reduced carbon footprint, the all-electric ID. Buzz can go the distance for all your family needs.

Read more: VW ID. Buzz electric car review

[1] Real-world figures may depending on factors such as driving style, road conditions, vehicle load, and accessories

[2] We connect available via subscription

[3] To use Plug & Charge, download the We Connect ID. app, select a We Charge charging plan and enable Plug & Charge in the app and vehicle