Volkswagen’s ID Buzz, the much anticipated electric combi van, could soon drive itself.
The German car company has revealed at the Munich motor show that the ID Buzz is one of an initial five self-driving, fully electric test vans. And while the long-awaited electric microbus is usually depicted with yellow-silver paintwork reminiscent of a pine-lime Splice; the self-driving prototype version was unveiled in black and white.
Volkswagen said the I.D. Buzz AD – AD for autonomous driving – is expected to hit the streets of Hamburg from 2025 as part of a ridesharing service operated by Volkswagen’s subsidiary Moia.
“We are the company that is redefining mobility – with sustainable, connected and safe mobility solutions for future generations”, Volkswagen chief executive Dr Herbert Diess said.
Partner Argo AI, based in Munich, is developing the self-driving system, including a suite of sensors and software designed to direct, steer and brake the vehicle like an experienced driver.
The self-driving technology provides 360-degree awareness of the surrounding environment, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles using 14 cameras, 11 radar and six lidar sensors, Argo AI claims.
The vehicles are being tested at the Argo AI centre in Neufahrn, near Munich, and on a nine hectare closed course near the Munich airport.
Moia operates Europe’s largest, all-electric ride pooling service, and is expected to be the first to use the autonomous I.D. Buzz AD vehicles as part of its ride pooling service.
Moia chief executive Robert Henrich said, “cities all over the world want to make their traffic more efficient and more climate-friendly. Autonomous ride pooling improves urban mobility, increases road safety and makes cities more attractive.”
The electric microbus (for human drivers) is expected to begin production for European markets in 2022, according to Volkswagen.
Petra Stock is a Master of Journalism student who has worked in climate change, renewable energy and transport. She also works part-time in climate change for the Australian Conservation Foundation.