Volkswagen and DHL teams up in South Africa to test electric ID.Buzz Cargo
Volkswagen and DHL announced a partnership in South Africa that will see four fully-electric ID.Buzz Cargo units be used as a local test.
Volkswagen and DHL announced a partnership in South Africa that will see four fully-electric ID.Buzz Cargo units be used as a local pilot test.
According to a statement by Volkswagen, the funky-looking vans will be utilised for specialised last-mile delivery service as part of DHL’s local pilot test of its global zero emissions logistics target.
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VOLKSWAGEN AND DHL STARTED THE PILOT TEST IN NOVEMBER 2023
South Africans can look out for the DHL-branded vans at the courier company’s service centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban for six months.
The four ID Buzz Cargos running around for the next six months will provide crucial data for Volkswagen and DHL. The carmaker is aiming to sell electric cars in the country soon.
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The test fleet will assist Volkswagen to build awareness of its electric vehicles in South Africa and to obtain learnings that are key for the brand’s electric vehicles strategy, the company says.
HOW MUCH POWER DOES IT MAKE?
The ID Buzz Cargo has an electric motor developing 150 kW and 310 Nm and power is sent to the rear wheels. It uses a 77-kWh battery that is located within the vehicle floor lowers the centre of gravity.
According to Volkswagen the ID Buzz Cargo has a range up to 425km in the combined cycle of the WLTP standard range.
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Thomas Milz, Director of Sales and Marketing at VWSA, said: “Our partnership with DHL Express on the ID.Buzz Cargo test fleet marks the beginning of Volkswagen’s long-term plan to gradually introduce its electric vehicles in the local market. At the end of the pilot test, we hope to have gathered sufficient information and insights on the readiness of the local market for the introduction of a commercial electric vehicle such as the ID.Buzz Cargo. We are very excited to partner with DHL who shares a similar commitment of zero emissions by 2050 in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement.”
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“As the world’s leading logistics company, we have a responsibility to set an example in our industry and be a sustainability leader. DHL Express has committed to achieving zero emission by 2050 through a number of initiatives, one of which is ensuring that we have at least 60% electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries by 2030. We are excited to partner with VWSA to pilot their ID. Buzz in our South African operations,” said Jed Michaletos – MD, DHL Express South Africa.
