Our aim is to achieve mobility that is not only electrified, but also sustainable
In order to achieve our shared climate objectives, we also need to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector. We have adopted a holistic approach: we want to make mobility more environmentally friendly and more efficient – and to do so sustainably. The new ID. Buzz Cargo is a good example of this comprehensive strategy. From innovative electric vehicles to smart charging solutions to sustainable recycling: we want to offer our customers a reliable one-stop service in order to make the switch to climate-conscious electric mobility more attractive.
An integrated concept: a holistic approach to modern electric mobility
Climate change poses enormous challenges to the environment, nature and society. This is why we are committed to the Paris Agreement and set ourselves ambitious targets. We want to be a carbon-neutral company by 2050 and we are assuming responsibility for the whole share of the value chain of our vehicles. After all, we can only achieve our goals through comprehensive, sustainable action. As part of our holistic electric mobility approach, therefore, we will ensure as far as possible that every part of the process is carried out on a carbon-neutral basis – from the extraction of raw materials and the supply chain to manufacture and use, and recycling. For instance, the new ID. Buzz Cargo is the first transporter from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to be conceived as an electric vehicle from the very beginning – from the first sketch to the final flourishes. The ID. Buzz Cargo is thus not only supplied to you on a carbon-neutral basis, but you can also drive it locally with zero carbon emissions. For the use of company cars, the ID. Charger Pro wall box is a convenient option for charging at home. If, in addition, the ID. Buzz Cargo is charged using green electricity, such as Volkswagen Naturstrom® or the photovoltaic system on your company site, it is a climate-smart way to hit the road. The new electric transporter will change our company and our mobility in a sustainable way.
Batteries & recycling: reliable, long-lasting, sustainable
Longer inspection intervals, fewer workshop visits and lower maintenance costs: unlike combustion engines, electric drive motors require very little maintenance, because there are no wear-prone parts such as a toothed belt, and no oil change is needed. Because modern electric vehicles such as the new ID. Buzz Cargo are designed to operate for long periods, many potential customers often ask how long the rechargeable battery lasts. With the new ID. Buzz Cargo, you can count on high quality. For its lithium-ion high-voltage battery, we guarantee a usable net battery energy content of at least 70% for eight years or up to 160,000 km driving performance. The battery impresses with its high energy and power density. It also has high cycle stability, low self-discharge and is maintenance-free.
However, factors such as the number and type of charging processes (AC/DC), observing charging limits or ambient temperatures affect their service life. Over time, this inevitably leads to reduced range. However, this does not mean that old batteries should be discarded. On the contrary, you can make a significant contribution to making our holistic strategy even more sustainable, for example through “second-life applications” in which we use batteries after they have been removed from vehicles, for example as energy storage. At the same time, we aim to recycle a high proportion of raw materials during recovery. For example, up to 97% of battery raw materials such as nickel, copper and lithium can already be recycled at our pilot plant in Salzgitter.