Volkswagen has been on a quest to bring autonomous driving into the mainstream, and the ID Buzz could be at the forefront of this transformation. Originally billed as the torchbearer of Volkswagen’s self-driving ambitions, the ID Buzz concept has slowly made its presence known, albeit without the fanfare received by giants like Waymo or Tesla.
The Promise of Test Drives in Hamburg
Despite a more understated approach, Volkswagen is undeterred, pushing ahead with their electric marvel, the ID Buzz. Carsten Intra, chief executive of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, revealed that real-world test drives are slated to take place in Hamburg later this year, signalling a new phase of practical application via Volkswagen’s subsidiary, MOIA.
Prepping For Passenger Trials
Self-driving ID Buzz vans have already been exploring the streets of Munich and Hamburg since 2021. However, it is only recently that Volkswagen hinted at the possibility of transitioning these autonomous vehicles from mere prototypes to inclusive robotaxi services, following in the wake of trailblazers like Waymo and Cruise, complete with safety drivers on standby.
Expanding Access
The ambitious plan to welcome the public aboard these self-navigating electric vans could turn into a reality by 2026. Intra envisions a future where affordable and sustainable urban mobility is not just a concept but an accessible service. It appears that this service would be available to those in Hamburg who are keen to summon a robotic chauffeur through MOIA’s app.
Leveraging External Tech
Diving into the technicalities, Volkswagen has wisely partnered with Intel’s subsidiary Mobileye for the sophisticated tech underpinning their autonomous endeavors, diverging from previous partnerships such as the now-defunct Argo AI. The ID Buzz is being outfitted with advanced ‘Level 4’ autonomous driving capabilities, preparing it for a future where hands-free travel could become the norm.
From Robotaxis to Delivery Vehicles
Volkswagen is also eyeing the potential of ID Buzz vehicles in the delivery sector. With e-commerce driving up logistics demand, an autonomous delivery solution could answer the growing concern over driver shortages and ensure sustained capacity in a burgeoning market.
The Sensor-Packed Hardware Suite
From a hardware perspective, the ID Buzz is primed with an extensive array of sensors, including 13 cameras, 9 lidar units, and 5 radar systems, all orchestrated by dual high-performance computers and complemented by an uninterrupted cloud connection to ensure meticulous performance.
A Glimpse Into 2026 and Beyond
As Volkswagen eyes 2026 to debut its fully electric and autonomous ID Buzz in mobility and transport services, it remains exciting yet uncertain whether this will cement itself as a significant milestone or simply become a footnote in the annals of automotive history.
