Volkswagen’s (VOW.DE) 2025 ID. Buzz is finally rolling into American garages, and with it comes a charging plan designed to make EV ownership just a little more convenient—at least in theory. The retro-inspired electric van isn’t just an homage to the beloved VW Bus of the ‘60s and ‘70s; it’s also packed with modern features aimed at making electric mobility more accessible.
One such feature is Volkswagen’s collaboration with Electrify America, which offers ID. Buzz buyers three years of preferential charging rates, a nifty Plug&Charge function, and 500 kWh of free juice. Sounds great, right? Well, let’s dig a little deeper.
What Does the Deal Actually Include?
The heart of this offer is the three-year Pass+ membership from Electrify America. On paper, it’s a solid perk: 500 kWh of complimentary charging, roughly translating to 1,250-2,000 miles, depending on how efficient your driving is.
On top of that, the Pass+ membership gives ID. Buzz owners a 25% discount on Electrify America’s pay-as-you-go rates, which could save you some cash if you’re charging frequently.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this package, though, is the Plug&Charge functionality. Once you activate it via Electrify America’s app, you can simply plug in your ID. Buzz, and voilà—charging begins automatically without the need to whip out your phone, card, or anything else.
If you’ve ever fumbled with apps at a charging station in the rain, you’ll understand why this is such a welcome addition.
The Electrify America Network: What You Need to Know
Electrify America’s network, while growing, still has its limits. The company currently operates around 4,000 DC fast chargers, with a chunk of those being “Hyper-Fast” (350 kW) stations. This should be enough for most road trips and urban commutes, but it’s not without its caveats.
Let’s not forget; Tesla’s Supercharger network is larger and more widespread—something that becomes more important when you realize that VW’s ID. Buzz won’t get access to Tesla’s NACS chargers until 2025. Until then, you’re stuck with the CCS1 charging standard.
For now, though, Volkswagen seems to be hedging its bets on Electrify America. And while the network’s growing, it’s not as big or as reliable as Tesla’s—yet.
Is 500 kWh of Free Charging Really a Game Changer?
Let’s talk about those 500 kWh of complimentary charging. Depending on your driving habits, that could get you between 1,250 and 2,000 miles. But here’s the thing: if you’re planning on road-tripping cross-country in your shiny new ID. Buzz, this free charging won’t last all that long.
For a van with a 91 kWh battery, it’s just a few fast-charging sessions. So while the idea of free charging is nice, it’s not exactly a dealmaker—more of a sugar-coated cherry on top of the already pricey $60,000 ID. Buzz.
The Elephant in the Room: Tesla’s Supercharging Network
While Electrify America is making strides, it’s hard to ignore that Tesla still rules the roost when it comes to charging networks. With over 15,000 Superchargers and counting, Tesla’s charging game is on a whole different level.
Volkswagen’s plan to adopt Tesla’s NACS port by 2025 means ID. Buzz drivers could eventually have access to this massive network—but that’s a future promise, not a present reality. For now, if you’re an ID. Buzz driver, you’re left waiting in the wings, albeit with Electrify America’s expanding offerings as a consolation prize.
The ID. Buzz’s Role in the EV Revolution
For all its quirks and features, the ID. Buzz is still trying to strike a balance between nostalgia and modern practicality. It’s a nod to the past, but its success hinges on how well it fits into the modern EV landscape. And part of that equation is how easy it is to keep charged and on the road.
With a maximum range of around 234 miles, the ID. Buzz is clearly geared more toward daily drives and weekend adventures than coast-to-coast road trips. The 500 kWh of free charging, the Pass+ discounts, and Plug&Charge are all steps toward making electric life easier, but they’re more about convenience than revolutionizing the EV experience.
The reality is that as electric vehicles become more mainstream, perks like free charging are becoming fewer and farther between. The days of unlimited Supercharging for life are long gone, and while Volkswagen’s offer is a nice gesture, it’s not likely to be a make-or-break feature for most buyers.
Charge Complete: What’s the Verdict?
So, is Volkswagen’s charging plan for the 2025 ID. Buzz worth the buzz? If you’re looking for a bit of convenience and a few hundred bucks worth of free charging, then sure, it’s a decent add-on. The 25% savings with Electrify America’s Pass+ membership and Plug&Charge functionality are both practical perks that will make EV life easier—at least for the next three years.
But let’s be real: the ID. Buzz isn’t going to win over the masses based on its charging perks alone. It’s going to need a whole lot more, like competitive pricing, more range, and maybe—just maybe—access to that coveted Tesla Supercharger network. Until then, this package is a nice bonus, but it’s not the revolution some might have hoped for.
In the meantime, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the days of the original VW Bus, you might find yourself drawn to the ID. Buzz just as much for its looks as for its features. Just be prepared to pay a premium for that trip down memory lane.
