The Bus Is Back! 3 Reasons To Celebrate Volkswagen’s Upcoming Electric Bus As A Student In Automotive School

For better or for worse, the world continues determinedly in its relentless drive towards modernization and all its high-tech gadgets. Evolution, these days, is the norm, and like everything else, the world of automobiles changes almost faster than anyone can keep track of.

From the early days of combustion engines to the present era of hybrid and electric vehicles, the transportation sector has seen a plethora of innovations. But nostalgia, too, has its place in this march of progress, and nothing screams retro love louder than the recent news about Volkswagen’s iconic Bus making a comeback — this time as an electric vehicle. As a student in automotive school, especially one who is pursuing hybrid and electrical mechanic training, this is a time of immense excitement and opportunity. Here are three reasons why:

1. A Chance to Explore the Fusion of Legacy With Modern Tech

The ID. Buzz draws its inspiration from Volkswagen’s historic T1 or Transporter, introduced back in 1949 and often dubbed the Microbus or simply, the VW Bus. In many parts of the world, it wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it became emblematic of the Hippie movement and was a familiar sight for large families even before the front-wheel-drive minivan came into the picture. The new ID. Buzz retains the charm of the classic Bus but replaces the noisy gasoline engine with a silent and efficient electric motor. For automotive enthusiasts, this confluence of the past and future presents an intriguing subject for study and appreciation.

Volkswagen Bus front view exterior as seen automotive school
Students in automotive school observe how Volkswagen merges performance and nostalgia.

2. Explore the Power Beneath the Retro Exteriors

The ID. Buzz is more than just a tribute to its ancestor; it’s a technological marvel in its own right. With its electric motor generating a whopping 282 horsepower, it packs over ten times the power of the early VW Bus. Plus, there’s the option of an all-wheel-drive variant that harnesses a combined 330 horsepower from two electric motors. These figures aren’t just for show. The all-wheel-drive variant can hit speeds of up to 99 miles per hour. For students in hybrid and electrical mechanic training, it will be fascinating to observe how Volkswagen has managed to embed such power and speed in a vehicle that carries such a nostalgic design.

Volkswagen Bus side view offroad model as seen automotive school
Automotive school explores an all-wheel-drive variant that harnesses a combined 330 horsepower from two electric motors.

3. Understand The Bus’ Convenience and Safety Features

For automotive school students, the ID. Buzz provides an array of innovative features to dissect and understand. Power-sliding doors, inset power-opening windows, and a power tailgate add to the vehicle’s convenience factor. The interior is decked with a 13-inch centre touchscreen and a removable storage console, which demonstrates how Volkswagen has ensured modern-day luxury and functionality without overshadowing the vehicle’s retro roots. In addition, the seating design with sliding second-row seats and a removable third row is a testament to the vehicle’s adaptability and user-focused approach.

Similar to other VW ID. models, the dashboard features a light strip that offers essential signals to the driver. This light illuminates to show that the vehicle is primed for driving and can subtly glow in one direction or the other as a turn indicator. Additionally, it emits a flashing signal when the vehicle’s collision prevention system detects the need for immediate braking.

Do you want to become a hybrid and electric vehicle mechanic?

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