Self-Driving VW Electric Bus Is On Its Way

The ID.Buzz won’t just be all-electric. By 2025, it will be a fully autonomous taxi as well, at least in Hamburg, Germany.
Written by Andrew Koole
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The new VW electric bus has been a long time coming. A double punch-buggy reboot has been in the works since 2001, but this year we finally got some clear production goals from
Volkswagen
on when to expect the all-electric ID.Buzz.
Europe will be the first market to receive the stylish new “people carrier,” with the EV set to reach buyers by 2023. American families will have to wait an extra year, but the German automaker has more in mind for the Type 2-inspired van than hauling kids to school.
By 2025, VW hopes to release a self-driving version of the ID. Buzz for everything from robotaxis to package delivery. Jerry the car ownership
super app
went digging for the details.

VW’s high-tech plans

Volkswagen has big plans for the future. Within the next three years, the company plans to overtake Tesla to become the leading provider of EVs globally, a goal that looks pretty attainable for the world’s second-largest automaker.
But to stay on top of the auto industry, VW knows it can’t be single-minded. The company has to chase all the emerging tech in the sector, including the push to develop
self-driving cars
.
The auto giant has already collaborated with Argo, Aurora, Bosch, and Huawei to develop autonomous driving programs. 
Putting its fingers in multiple pies allows it to move forward in multiple markets simultaneously, strengthening its position in China with Huawei while continuing its focus in Europe and the U.S.
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The electric VW bus that drives itself

The long-awaited ID.Buzz is almost here. Most of the anticipation for the Type 2-inspired van came from the expectation that it would be an electric vehicle, but it looks like VW wants to introduce its whole high-tech future through the new flagship vehicle.
The autonomous microbus will be the first fruits of the company’s partnership with Argo AI, the same Pittsburgh-based tech startup working with Ford and Lyft
ID.Buzzes with Level 4 autonomy will get their start in its home country as robotaxis in Hamburg. The program’s testing phase will start this summer, with an official rollout planned for 2025.
Inside EVs
says no plans for the autonomous cargo van project have been released yet, but VW announced plans to move in that direction back in September 2021.
MORE: First Robotaxis Coming to L.A.

What will a self-driving ID Buzz cost to own?

The Argo-driven microbus might not ever be available for private ownership.
Reuters
says VWs for the consumer market will get Level 2 and Level 3 self-driving software developed by fellow German brand Bosch.
Vehicles with Level 3 autonomy—that can perform all driving activities on their own—aren’t available yet. But the upgrade will likely be quite expensive in any vehicle it’s offers in, as new tech usually is. 
Tech upgrades have a reputation for raising
car insurance
premiums, so when it does become available in the ID Buzz—whether that’s when the microbus in 2024 or at a later date—be sure to shop for quotes with
Jerry
so you know you’re getting the best price for your coverage.
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