Volkswagen’s Self-Driving ID.Buzz Prototype to Roam Austin Streets

You won’t be able to drive a Volkswagen ID.Buzz until 2024, but a visit to Austin, Texas could mean you see a self-driving version riding around town.

The electric version of the classic VW Microbus won’t go on sale in the United States until 2024, but a self-driving version of this electric van is heading to Texas for testing. This new autonomous prototype will begin testing in this area and utilizes technology that could bring Level 4 autonomy to the roadways. VW might be the first automaker to test Level 4 autonomy in Austin, but other automakers will likely follow suit as this new technology is expected to be market-wide in 2026.

The autonomous ID.Buzz doesn’t look like the one you’ll buy?

Volkswagen is sending a small fleet of 10 models to Austin. Each of these Volkswagen vans is outfitted with a roof sensor pod meant to collect data around Austin before moving on to other cities. The goal of this prototype program is the same as what other automakers and tech companies have set forth with autonomous vehicles. Volkswagen anticipates a long-term launch of commercial operations in Auston by 2026. This next step in autonomous driving could be one of the most difficult hurdles in the path of this advanced technology.

Technology moving to ride sharing

The Waymo Chrysler minivans have been used for autonomous driving taxi services in Arizona for several months. Now, it’s time for VW to do the same with its small fleet of Level 4 robotaxis in Auston. The MOIA ride-pooling shuttle service will launch in Germany soon and be the autonomous driving taxi service of Volkswagen. The company is working with Mobileye and using LiDAR, cameras, and radar to create data points and enable these vehicles to drive without human intervention, allowing them to take the next step toward fully autonomous vehicles.

How will this pilot program begin?

During the first phase of the new self-driving Volkswagen ID.Buzz program, these vehicles will collect data and information while driving many miles around the city before the second phase begins. Austin could be the ideal location to be the testing ground because it has a strong track record of embracing advanced technology and innovation. Eventually, the goal is to have a large fleet of robotaxi vehicles that can drive around the city and offer rides to passengers without requiring any human intervention. VW has set a goal for 2026 to make this a reality.

This testing program is a new source of income for VW

The amount of money made from 10 vehicles in one city is minuscule for an automotive giant like Volkswagen, but that won’t stop this study. If VW can successfully launch a Level 4 autonomous ride-pooling program in Austin it could quickly grow to become a program offered in several other cities, making it an important part of future transportation for city dwellers. Although VW isn’t the first company to bring advanced levels of autonomy to the roads, it could be the next and using the VW ID.Buzz is a great choice.

What is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz?

The new ID.Buzz is the electrified version of the MicroBus, offering several classic features while adding a long list of modern qualities. You won’t need to be a hippie to enjoy the comfort, quiet, and drive offered in this new electric VW. In the United States, we’ll receive a longer version of this VW van than what’s offered in Europe. That means we’ll have more room for cargo and passengers when it’s time to take this electric van out for a drive.

This new van has plenty of power. This new VW van offers the choice of either a single-motor model with power sent to the rear wheels or an AWD dual-motor version. The RWD model delivers 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD model delivers 330 horsepower for a great drive. This new electric van is built on the Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform, which has the battery pack mounted low in the floor.

Go Retro with this VW

The new Volkswagen ID.Buzz brings contemporary tech and classic design elements to the cabin. You’ll find a style that reminds you of the original Microbus coupled with impressive technology, including a large central touchscreen and EV- related items. Some of the standard items you’ll find include heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats and second-row seats that are also heated.

The new VW ID.Buzz heads to Austin as a test fleet for Level 4 autonomy; will you take a ride in a self-driving VW when you visit this historic city?