Volkswagen unveils a new electric identity. Buzz Microbus

Volkswagen It revives its iconic Microbus – the quintessential truck associated with deadheads travel and the counterculture of the 1960s – as an all-electric truck called ID. buzz.

The German automaker finally unveiled the electric vehicle on Wednesday as a descendant of the 21st century T1 Microbus. Volkswagen has previewed such a product for over 20 years with concept cars, including those that have been well received. EV launched ID Buzz in 2017.

“The T1 – a symbol of the 1950s – represents freedom and the democratization of mobility. With ID. Buzz, we are taking the T1 DNA into the present day and thus into the age of electric mobility and sustainability,” said Joseph Caban, Head of Volkswagen Design, in a statement. While the original Microbus was first manufactured in the 1950s, it became a cult phenomenon among the hippie generation in the following decade.

Personal investigation. Buzz features large circular “VW” badges on the front and rear of the vehicle – a tribute to the original Microbus. It also features large windows around the car, creating a greenhouse effect and many other design nods to its famous predecessor.

Two tone identifier. Buzz models, similar to the originals, will have Candy White roofs and V-shaped hoods. The underbody will be available in four colors: lemon yellow, light blue, active orange and leaf green.

But don’t expect to gather all your friends and head west with your guitars just yet. The five-passenger car is expected to go on sale in Europe later this year, followed by a larger six- or seven-seater version due to arrive in the US in 2024.

Volkswagen hasn’t released pricing or performance specifications for the US-bound model, saying more details will be available near the vehicle’s launch.

For Europe, the smaller truck, including the cargo version, will be capable of 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen has said that additional versions with different ranges and power output levels are expected to start in 2023. The car manufacturer has not released the car’s electric range.

With DC fast charging, ID. The Buzz can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes, according to VW.