Volkswagen holds a general premiere for its first-gen ID. Buzz

Volkswagen's ID. Buzz live-stream started with an announcement that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine had obliged it to hold its world premiere for the first-gen electric bus. Nevertheless, it did proceed with a presentation of the vehicle in more depth, guest-starring apparent e-vehicle enthusiast Ewan McGregor. It served to underpin its impression of an ultra-high-tech T1, which can apparently be had in a range of two-tone paint-jobs.

The marque has also now confirmed that the Buzz will further its zero-emissions goals with the same modular MEB platform from its ID. siblings, powered with a battery of 77kWh in capacity and a maximum charge capacity of 170kW.

This will be done using Plug & Charge technology, rated to start juicing the Buzz on connection without the need to get an app open or locate a card. Once the ID. Buzz is on the road, it will do so with rear-wheel drive (just like the original bus) and a wheel-base "virtually" identical to that of the T6.1, although, at 4,712 mm, the new e-bus will be 20 centimers (cm) shorter.

Volkswagen has also now revealed that the MPV will have a turning circle of a "mere" 11 meters (m) - much like a Golf. The ID. Buzz' Cargo SKU will have up to 4 m³ of free loading space and will be able to carry up to 600kg, with an additional 100kg on its roof.

Once the ID. Buzz and Buzz Cargo are on the road, Volkswagen intends for them to be packed with advanced driving assistance (ADAS) features, including the use of swarm data to analyze traffic for hazards; Assisted Lane Change; Park Assist Plus and emergency braking in the event of unexpected obstacle-detection.

The company has also indicated that the Buzz will get consistent OTA updates, and will be able to form a network with all other ID.-series vehicles around it. Volkswagen also projects that the Buzz will be able to adopt autonomic functions on its release, announcing that it will be the first vehicle to ship with Level 4 self-driving.

Despite all this, the ID. Buzz remains at a prototype stage at present. Nevertheless, European pre-orders for the world-first electric VW bus are projected to begin in May 2022, with a general launch set for the fall of the same year.