Summary
- ID.Buzz includes 500 kWh of free DC fast charging and three years of Electrify America’s Pass+
- Pass+ membership saves about 25% on DC fast charging compared to pay-as-you-go
- ID. Buzz will have Plug and Charge feature for seamless charging process
- Volkswagen plans to switch to NACS port in 2025 for expanded charging network access
- Electrify America has over 900 hyper-fast charging stations across the country, making road trips easier for ID. Buzz owners
Article
What Comes with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz?
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz will come with 500 kWh worth of free DC fast charging on the Electrify America network. In addition, it will include a three-year membership to Electrify America’s Pass+ DC fast charging plan. This membership is expected to save drivers about 25% on DC fast charging compared to the standard pay-as-you-go model.
Benefits of the Electrify America Pass+ Membership
While 500 kWh of free DC fast charging may not sound like a significant amount for the ID.Buzz’s 91 kWh battery, the true value lies in the Electrify America Pass+ membership. With this membership, ID.Buzz owners can save, on average, about 25% compared to regular pay-as-you-go charging. This means that owners can enjoy cost savings while fully embracing electric mobility without having to fumble with any apps or billing details.
The Future of Charging Networks
Volkswagen’s decision to provide free charging on the Electrify America network is a step in the right direction towards promoting electric vehicle adoption. While Tesla’s charging network may be larger, it is predicted that manufacturers will eventually switch to the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and provide adapters for owners. Volkswagen is expected to switch to the NACS port starting in 2025, ensuring compatibility with a wider range of charging networks.
Access to Hyper-Fast Charging Stations
Electrify America’s network includes more than 900 hyper-fast (350 kW) charging stations across the country. This extensive charging infrastructure means that ID.Buzz owners should have no trouble finding a charging station while on a road trip, even with the van’s maximum range of 234 miles. As manufacturers become more selective with their complimentary charging perks, the inclusion of free charging with the ID.Buzz is a significant benefit for owners.
The Transition to NACS
While the ID.Buzz will initially launch with the standard CCS1 port, Volkswagen’s plans to transition to the NACS port in 2025 indicate a commitment to future-proofing the van’s charging capabilities. This transition will enable ID.Buzz owners to access a wider range of charging networks, ensuring convenience and flexibility when charging their electric vehicle. Despite not being able to use Tesla Superchargers initially, the inclusion of free charging on the Electrify America network is a valuable perk for ID.Buzz owners.
Availability of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is set to go on sale later this year, offering customers a retro-styled electric van with advanced charging capabilities. For more information on the ID.Buzz and its included charging benefits, customers can reach out to the author at kevin.williams@insideevs.com. With free DC fast charging and a three-year Pass+ membership from Electrify America, the ID.Buzz is poised to be a competitive option in the electric vehicle market.
Read the full article here
