Electric Cars

The beloved Volkswagen ID. Buzz, a modern homage to the classic VW van, has received a rugged makeover courtesy of German customization firm Seikel. This innovative kit transforms the electric minivan, originally designed for urban and paved roads, into a more formidable off-road companion. With a focus on enhancing the vehicle's capability on rough terrains, Seikel's modifications aim to empower ID. Buzz owners to venture beyond the typical path without concern for potential damage.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Ready for Adventure with Seikel's Off-Road Kit

In a significant development for electric vehicle enthusiasts and off-road adventurers, Seikel, a German company renowned for its specialized Volkswagen and Ford adventure parts, has unveiled a comprehensive customization kit for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This tailored package addresses the electric van's inherent limitations on unpaved surfaces, such as its relatively modest ground clearance and standard underbody protection.

The core of Seikel's enhancement includes new KW dampers and Eibach springs, which work in tandem to elevate the ID. Buzz's ground clearance by 1.18 inches (30 mm). This seemingly minor adjustment significantly boosts the van's ability to navigate uneven landscapes. Complementing the suspension upgrades are a set of robust BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tires mounted on durable 20-inch wheels, providing superior grip and stability on challenging terrains. Furthermore, the kit replaces the vehicle's original plastic underbody panels with a pair of 0.2-inch (5-millimeter) aluminum protection plates. These crucial additions safeguard the front and rear drive units, as well as the front radiator assembly, from potential impacts and debris encountered off-road.

While the ID. Buzz inherently offers dual-motor all-wheel drive, the Seikel kit primarily focuses on mechanical and protective enhancements, leaving the car's traction management system untouched. It is noteworthy that the ID. Buzz does not come equipped with a dedicated off-road traction control mode. Promotional materials from Seikel indicate that the vehicle might still encounter challenges in maintaining optimal traction when a wheel loses contact with the ground, underscoring the kit's emphasis on physical resilience over advanced electronic traction systems.

The cost of these upgrades reflects their specialized nature. Although Seikel does not itemize the price for each component, the custom-made skid plates alone are priced at a combined €1,390 (approximately $1,600) before tax. Factoring in the specialized suspension components and robust wheel-and-tire setup, the total investment for these enhancements could easily exceed $5,000. For owners of the 2027 ID. Buzz Tourer 4Motion, which offers amenities like a mattress, platform, window blinds, and ventilation panels, adding Seikel's off-road kit could transform the electric van into an even more versatile and stylish camper, ready for extensive exploration.

The transformation of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz into a more capable off-road vehicle through Seikel's kit opens new avenues for electric vehicle owners. It demonstrates a growing demand for adventure-ready EVs and highlights the potential for specialized aftermarket solutions to cater to diverse consumer needs. This development could inspire other manufacturers and customization firms to explore similar modifications, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle utility and recreational possibilities. The enhanced ID. Buzz not only offers improved functionality but also presents a compelling vision of sustainable adventure, blending nostalgic design with modern ecological consciousness.

The Smart #2, the spiritual successor to the well-known Fortwo, is making a comeback as an exclusively electric model, promising a significantly extended driving range compared to its previous iteration. This new compact EV aims to redefine urban mobility with its enhanced performance and modern features, addressing one of the key limitations of its gasoline-powered predecessors and early electric versions.

Smart, a brand recognized for its compact city cars since the late 1990s, ceased production of the third-generation Fortwo in 2024. However, the legacy of the innovative two-seater is being revived for the electric era with the introduction of the Smart #2. Details regarding the production model were recently disclosed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), confirming its readiness for manufacturing.

Back in April, Smart provided a glimpse of the miniature EV through a concept car. The production version largely retains the concept's aesthetics, with minor deviations like the absence of cloth-like wheels and integrated LED screens in the front bumper. The design, characterized by a somewhat aggressive front fascia, aligns with contemporary automotive styling trends.

The version destined for the Chinese market features a rear-mounted 80-horsepower (60-kilowatt) electric motor, developed by Infimotion. Power is supplied by a floor-mounted lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with individual cells manufactured by CATL and final assembly handled by Geely, which co-owns the Smart brand with Mercedes-Benz. While the MIIT listing does not specify the battery capacity, the European model is expected to house a 35.7 kilowatt-hour unit, offering a manufacturer-estimated range of approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers). This represents a substantial improvement over the previous EQ Fortwo, which had an EPA-rated range of just 58 miles.

Beyond the impressive range increase, the Smart #2 will also boast considerably faster charging times. Smart indicates that a 10% to 80% charge can be achieved in under 20 minutes. Additionally, the vehicle will incorporate vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, allowing owners to utilize the car's high-voltage battery to power external appliances or tools, enhancing its utility beyond transportation.

The physical dimensions of the Smart #2 reinforce its commitment to compact urban design. Measuring 108.8 inches (2,764 millimeters) in length, 65.7 inches (1,669 mm) in width, and 61.2 inches (1,555 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 73.8 inches (1,875 mm), it remains ideal for navigating crowded city streets. Weighing in at 2,491 pounds (1,130 kilograms) and capable of a top speed of 87 miles per hour (130 kilometers per hour), it is positioned as an agile solution for urban environments, offering a sharp contrast to larger, bulkier SUVs.

The Smart #2 is slated for release in both China and Europe, with its global debut anticipated at this year's Paris Motor Show in October. Production will commence in China following the unveiling, and there is potential for localized European production if sales volumes warrant the investment. European pricing is projected to begin below €22,500 ($26,000).

With its renewed focus on electric propulsion, significantly improved range, and advanced features, the Smart #2 aims to re-establish the brand's relevance in the evolving automotive landscape, particularly within the growing electric vehicle sector. The return of this compact city car is poised to offer a practical and efficient option for urban dwellers seeking sustainable and agile personal transportation.