Volkswagen will soon launch a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with self-driving technology for its robotaxi fleet, delivery and transport services.
The VW SPV will be very different from the ID. Buzz, which has been gaining popularity since its launch last month.
ID. Buzz comes in two variants, namely microbus and cargo van. ID. Buzz will launch as a robotaxi in Hamburg in 2025.
Carsten Intra, Volkswagen’s Commercial Management Board noted that VW wants to launch a similar ID with its Buzz robotaxi service in 50 other cities across Europe and North America.
Meanwhile, ID Buzz Cargo will be suitable as a delivery fleet. ID Buzz Cargo has first row seats with partitions, separating passengers from the compartment at the back.
ID. The Buzz Cargo has a maximum storage volume of 3.9 m3, and Volkswagen seems intent on keeping that ID.
“This will not be an evolution of ID. Buzz, but really a special purpose vehicle,” said Carsten Intra.
Intra added that Volkswagen’s special purpose electric vehicle (SPV) may not have a steering wheel, which would make it completely autonomous.
“We are still in the concept stage; it’s not ready. We’re going to need a big leap forward and not just carry ID forward,” said Intra.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen wants to build a self-driving shuttle service and delivery service worldwide with the help of Argo AI. A company that develops autonomous driving technology.
At the 2021 IAA Mobility Event in Munich, VW Commercial Vehicles and Argo AI announced plans to test and scale a fleet of all-electric self-driving vans commercially.
