Volkswagen considered range extender for electric ID. Buzz

Volkswagen investigated the use of a range extender for the electric ID. Buzz to address limited driving range, particularly for markets like the United States where charging infrastructure can be inconsistent.

The proposed solution involved a small internal combustion engine acting as a generator to produce electricity for the battery rather than driving the wheels directly. However, the project was abandoned because the MEB platform architecture lacked sufficient space to accommodate the generator.

While the ID. Buzz has seen significant sales in Germany, demand has been lower in the US. Volkswagen is skipping the 2026 model year for the US market, with plans to return in 2027.