Volkswagen delivered 60,700 units of the ID. Buzz globally in 2025, making it the eighth best-selling electric vehicle in the Volkswagen Group. However, despite its popularity in Europe, the ID. Buzz struggled in the United States, with only 6,140 units sold. As a result, Volkswagen decided to cancel the 2026 model year and clear out the remaining 2025 inventory before bringing back the ID. Buzz for 2027.
The ID. Buzz's modest 234-mile range and steep $61,545 starting price may have contributed to its poor sales in the US. However, Volkswagen attributed the decision to cancel the 2026 model year to weak electric vehicle adoption in the US, citing it as a "strategic decision" based on a "careful assessment of current EV market conditions."
According to an interview with the head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the company considered a range-extending version of the ID. Buzz to address range anxiety. However, engineers ultimately encountered packaging constraints due to the vehicle's short front overhang, which left no room for a combustion engine. The MEB platform, which the ID. Buzz is built on, was developed exclusively for battery-electric vehicles.
Although a range-extending ID. Buzz is not in the works, Volkswagen has launched its first extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) in China, the ID. Era 9X. The ID. Era 9X is a large six-seat SUV that uses a 1.5-liter gasoline engine as a generator to charge the battery, reducing charging stops. Additionally, the company's new Scout brand will offer range-extending versions of the Traveler and Terra in the US when they enter production in 2027.
Volkswagen is also developing the SSP platform, which will accommodate combustion engines that function solely as generators. The SSP platform is expected to eventually replace all of the group's current electric platforms, potentially debuting in a production Audi in 2028, with Porsche and Skoda models to follow.
The 2027 ID. Buzz will bring new colors and wheel designs, along with conventional buttons on the steering wheel. It will also gain a Tourer version, which will include a fold-out mattress and platform, window blinds, front window ventilation panels, and an exterior table and chairs. With hopefully more sensible pricing, the ID. Buzz might still have a chance to win over more US buyers.
Source: motor1.com
