GermanyVolkswagen looked at building a range-extender version of the ID. Buzz, a small combustion engine that would generate electricity on board and reduce how often owners need to find a charger. The idea did not survive contact with the van’s platform.
Stefan Mecha, head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said the ID. Buzz’s short front overhang and the MEB platform’s electric-only architecture leave no space for a generator engine without an expensive structural rework. The current ID. Buzz will stay fully electric as a result.
Volkswagen is instead developing a new modular platform called Space for its next generation of commercial vehicles. It is meant to underpin future versions of the Caddy, Multivan and Transporter, cut development costs, and support both electric and hybrid powertrains from the same architecture. Volkswagen is also planning to bring back an electric Crafter and is weighing a battery-electric Caddy.
