Is This Sleek ID. Buzz the Future of EV Roadside Assistance?

image
Is This Sleek ID. Buzz the Future of EV Roadside Assistance? - Image for illustration purposes only
01-09-2025topgear
Stranded on a chilly winter night with your EV out of charge? Enter the black and yellow ID. Buzz, your modern-day savior from the AA's fleet, driven by Chris Wood and Max Lamond. This innovative vehicle isn't just for show; it’s the embodiment of the future in roadside EV assistance.

On the Road with ID. Buzz

- Miles Covered: 14,000 in 2024
- Reach: Engaged across England, the North Coast 500, and rural Wales
- Range: Approximately 250 miles on a 77 kWh battery

The rear compartment is stripped to house essential tools and devices, aiding in swift recovery operations.

Design and Features

- Wheels and Suspension: 20-inch BBS alloys with air suspension adapted from a Transporter
- Beacons: Covertly integrated to enhance aerodynamics
- Style Vision: Bold and futuristic while retaining the recognizable black and yellow livery

Interior Innovations

The spacious ID. Buzz adapts seamlessly for recovery use, equipped with:

- Vehicle-to-Vehicle Charging: Up to 30 kW, providing an approximate 15-mile range in six minutes
- Safety Gear: Insulated tools, visors, mats, gloves, and a multimeter for detailed diagnostics

Current EV Assistance Demand

In October 2024, EV-related issues accounted for just 4.9% of 10,000 daily AA callouts, with only a handful involving drained batteries.

"We’re gearing up for more EVs," Wood explains. The AA is gathering data on EV breakdown hotspots and training patrols to be ready when needed.

Summary

The AA is paving the way for the inevitable rise in EV breakdowns with their modified ID. Buzz. Stylish yet practical, this vehicle showcases readiness for when the electric future fully arrives.

What Others Are Saying...


ryan09
Honestly, this sounds like a fancy way to get people stuck even more frustrated. If breakdowns become common, we’ll need a lot more than a stylish ID. Buzz to help.

dax
This is a great step forward! The ID. Buzz could revolutionize roadside assistance for EVs, making the experience much smoother for drivers. Excited to see how it develops!