Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced plans to offer an autonomous vehicle based on the upcoming ID. Buzz. The company didn’t go into many specifics, but confirmed the autonomous van is slated to be launched in 2025. It will use technology developed by Argo AI and is being designed with “ride-hailing and pooling” applications in mind.
Volkswagen released a sketch of the van
and it’s clearly recognizable as an ID. Buzz. However, it features a number of
apparent LIDAR sensors on the roof, front bumper and sides. We can also see
what appears to be a sensor pod on the roof. There’s no word on what sensors
reside behind the hump, but they appear to be forward-focused and should
provide at least 180° of detection.
Little else is known about the van at this
point, but it appears the model is being designed to serve urban areas.
Volkswagen also noted development is running at “full speed” and this will
enable them to “not only electrify the iconic Bulli, but to also transform it
into a groundbreaking autonomous vehicle.”
While details are lacking, we should get a
better idea of what to expect when the regular ID. Buzz is introduced next
year.
