Summary
- Owner of stolen Segway Ninebot electric scooter calls 911, later interacts with NYPD officers, who pull him over while driving Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- NYPD officers were curious about the electric van, asked questions about its features and interior
- Volkswagen loaned an all-wheel-drive Pro S Plus trim ID. Buzz, a crowd pleaser with a striking appearance, attracting attention everywhere
- Despite popularity, the $68,000 price tag is seen as a letdown compared to cheaper minivan options on the market
- ID. Buzz serves as an expensive yet desirable halo car for electrification, but may benefit from a lower price point in the future
Article
The author had to call 911 when his $600 Segway Ninebot electric scooter was stolen in South Brooklyn. The NYPD officers who responded were the same ones who later pulled him over while he was driving a Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The officers were curious about the electric vehicle and asked to inspect it, showing interest in its power, size, and driving capabilities. The author had numerous interactions while driving the ID. Buzz around New York City, with the vehicle attracting attention due to its unique design and electric powertrain. However, many people were unimpressed by the $68,000 price tag of the vehicle, feeling that it was too expensive compared to other minivan options on the market.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz loaned to the author was a Pro S Plus trim with a dual-motor set-up producing 335 horsepower. The electric van rode on the MEB platform, offering a range of 231 miles. Despite its striking design and technological features, the high price of the ID. Buzz seemed to be a major concern for potential buyers. While the vehicle received positive feedback for its appearance and performance, its cost was a significant deterrent for many customers. The author noted that although the ID. Buzz was an attractive and technologically advanced vehicle, its pricing was a major drawback for those looking for a family hauler.
The ID. Buzz was the only fully electric minivan available in the U.S. market at the time of the author’s experience. While it offered unique features such as a dual-tone paint scheme and a design inspired by the original VW Bus, the high price point made it less appealing to potential buyers seeking a more affordable option. The author highlighted that the ID. Buzz played a crucial role in making electrification fun and desirable, despite its premium pricing. However, he also emphasized that the vehicle could have had a broader market appeal if it was priced more competitively, making it more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
The author raised concerns about the overall cost of electric vehicles, noting that they tend to be more expensive than their internal combustion engine counterparts due to factors such as battery costs and advanced technology. While the ID. Buzz served as a flagship electric vehicle for Volkswagen, the author believed that its price point was a limiting factor in attracting a larger customer base. He suggested that a lower-priced, short-wheelbase version of the ID. Buzz might have been more appealing to U.S. consumers and could have helped increase the vehicle’s market penetration. Despite its high price, the ID. Buzz was seen as a positive representative for EVs, showcasing the potential for electric vehicles in the mainstream automotive market.
Overall, the author praised the Volkswagen ID. Buzz for its design, performance, and role in promoting electrification. However, he expressed reservations about its pricing, suggesting that a more affordable version of the vehicle could have a wider appeal among consumers. The author highlighted the challenges of pricing electric vehicles competitively while still incorporating advanced technology and maintaining profitability. Despite the ID. Buzz’s high cost, the author acknowledged the vehicle’s positive impact in making EVs more desirable and helping to shift public perception towards electric mobility.
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