The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, the commercial version of VW’s ID. Buzz minivan, has been crowned International Van of the Year (IVOTY) for 2023.
That means the first three places in this year’s competition were awarded to electric vans, a reminder that the EV revolution isn’t only radically changing the passenger car market, but the panel van market too. Contrast this year’s result with last year’s when the combustion version of the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes eCitan jointly took home the crown.
“It’s not too often that a totally new van concept comes around and immediately enters the marketplace,” IVOTY chairman, Jarlath Sweeney said of the ID. Buzz Cargo at the presentation of the award in Hanover, Germany.
“Congratulations to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle‘s design team on creating this unique vehicle that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious urban environment. It certainly makes a statement with its futuristic and slick styling, yet harks back to the original Transporter T1, from 70 years ago, with its V shaped bonnet, prominent VW badge, and short overhangs.”
The ID. Buzz Cargo rides on the same Volkswagen Group MEB electric platform as the ID.3 hatch, ID.4 crossover and ID. Buzz minivan, but is configured for panel van duties. Launch models feature one 150 kW (201 hp / 204 PS) electric motor driving the rear wheels that can get the unladen hauler to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.2 seconds and provide around 250 miles (400 km) of electric driving. Max out the 1,420 lbs (648 kg) payload, of course, and you can expect to see a sizeable reduction in that range.
Source: carscoops