After years of anticipation and nostalgic teasing, Volkswagen has finally delivered on its promise to resurrect one of automotive history’s most beloved icons. The 2025 ID. Buzz isn’t just another electric vehicle joining an increasingly crowded market—it’s a bold reimagining of the classic VW Microbus for the modern era, blending retro charm with cutting-edge electric technology.

A Design That Turns Heads

The ID. Buzz makes no attempt to hide its heritage. From the moment you see it, the two-tone paint scheme, short overhangs, and upright stance immediately evoke memories of the original 1960s Type 2 bus that became synonymous with surf culture, road trips, and freedom. But this is no simple retro pastiche. Volkswagen has created something that feels both familiar and thoroughly contemporary, with smooth surfaces, flush-mounted handles, and LED lighting that give it a distinctly futuristic character.

The front fascia features a illuminated VW logo and distinctive V-shaped light bar that’s become a signature of the ID. family. Available in a palette of vibrant colors—some with contrasting roofs—the ID. Buzz has the kind of visual presence that makes people smile when they see it on the road.

Two Configurations for Different Needs

The interior is remarkably spacious, thanks to the skateboard-style electric platform that eliminates the need for a transmission tunnel and allows the wheels to be pushed to the corners. This creates an airy, lounge-like atmosphere that harks back to the original Microbus’s reputation for generous interior volume. The dashboard is clean and minimalist, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system and a smaller digital instrument cluster.

Electric Performance and Range

Under the floor sits a 91 kWh battery pack that powers a rear-mounted electric motor producing 282 horsepower. This setup provides brisk acceleration that belies the ID. Buzz’s substantial size—it can sprint from 0-60 mph in around 6 seconds. All-wheel drive versions add a front motor for enhanced traction and performance.

Range is estimated at approximately 230-260 miles depending on configuration and driving conditions, which is competitive for a vehicle of this size and should prove adequate for most family duties and daily driving. The ID. Buzz supports DC fast charging at rates up to 170 kW, allowing for 10-80% charges in roughly 30 minutes at compatible charging stations.

Technology and Features

Inside, the ID. Buzz comes loaded with modern amenities. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice controls. Available features include a panoramic glass roof, premium sound system, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.

The rear doors feature a power sliding mechanism, making entry and exit easier in tight parking spaces—a practical touch for families. The cargo area is generous, and with the rear seats folded, the ID. Buzz can swallow impressive amounts of gear, making it genuinely versatile for everything from camping trips to home improvement store runs.

The Verdict

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz represents something increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape: a vehicle with genuine personality. In a market dominated by anonymous crossovers and look-alike SUVs, the ID. Buzz dares to be different, fun, and emotionally engaging.

It won’t be the cheapest electric vehicle option, with pricing starting in the mid-$60,000 range, but it offers something most competitors don’t—a sense of joy and nostalgia wrapped in practical, modern packaging. For families seeking an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on space or style, or for anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a classic VW bus but wants modern reliability and zero emissions, the ID. Buzz delivers on its promise.

Volkswagen has managed to bottle lightning twice, creating a modern classic that honors its heritage while moving boldly into an electric future. The ID. Buzz proves that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing character—sometimes it means amplifying it.

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2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV

It’s no secret that the future of the automotive industry is electric, but for the longest time, the pickup truck segment seemed to be the last frontier to be fully conquered. That’s all changed, and no one is taking the electric truck game more seriously than Chevrolet. We had the opportunity to spend a week with the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV—specifically, the LT Extended Range model—and it’s clear that this isn’t just an electrified Silverado; it’s a new kind of vehicle designed to be a leader in its class. From its impressive performance to its innovative cabin and surprising versatility, this truck is ready to challenge perceptions and win over the hearts of truck enthusiasts and EV newcomers alike.

The Test Drive: A Big Truck with Nimble Moves

The moment you get behind the wheel of the Silverado EV, its size is immediately apparent. This is a big, heavy truck, with a curb weight approaching 8,500 pounds in our test model. But what’s truly remarkable is how well it hides that heft. Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and available four-wheel steering, the Silverado EV handles with a surprising agility for a vehicle of its size. The rear-wheel steering, a feature we found universally acclaimed in GM’s large EV trucks, makes maneuvering in tight parking lots and navigating city streets far more manageable. While we wouldn’t call it “nimble,” it’s certainly more graceful than its physical dimensions would suggest.

The acceleration is, in a word, phenomenal. In its default drive mode, the power is more than sufficient for everyday driving. But engage the “Wide Open Watts” (WOW) mode, and this behemoth transforms into a sports car-like sprinter, hitting 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. This instant torque is not just for fun; it makes merging onto highways and overtaking traffic a breeze.

Chevy’s regenerative braking is also one of the best in the business. The system is smooth, intuitive, and seamlessly blends with the friction brakes, making one-pedal driving not only possible but enjoyable. We managed to bring the truck to a stop from 70 mph in just 196 feet, which is impressive given its monumental mass.

Inside the Cabin: A Connected and Comfortable Command Center

Stepping inside the Silverado EV, you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both familiar and futuristic. The LT model we drove provided a significant upgrade from the work-truck trims, featuring power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a seven-speaker Bose stereo. The overall feel is one of comfort and spaciousness, with plenty of room for both front and rear passengers to stretch out.

The centerpiece of the interior is the massive, reconfigurable dashboard. The LT trim features a huge 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with a large 11.0-inch driver information display. The Google-based infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, seamlessly integrating with Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for voice commands. It’s a fantastic system, but one notable drawback is that only the smaller infotainment screen units come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, forcing you to rely on the native Google navigation on the larger screens.

One of our favorite design choices is the column-mounted shifter, which opens up a cavernous storage bin between the dashboard and the center armrest, a very practical touch. The lockable, weatherproof eTrunk in the front is also a fantastic addition, offering a secure space for cargo with a 120-volt outlet for powering tools or devices.

Specifications: Range, Charging, and Performance

The Silverado EV offers a variety of configurations, with a range of up to 492 miles on the Max Range battery in the Work Truck trim. Our Extended Range LT model had an EPA-estimated range of 408 miles, though our real-world 75-mph highway test saw a range closer to 310 miles. It’s important to note that these figures can vary greatly with driving style, load, and terrain.

Recharging is a key concern for any EV owner, and the Silverado EV’s Ultium platform handles it well. It supports DC fast charging up to 350 kW, allowing you to add a GM-estimated 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes at a compatible public fast-charging station. On a Level 2 home charger, a full charge from near empty could take around eight to ten hours, making it perfect for overnight charging.

Here are the key specs for the 2025 Silverado EV:

• Horsepower (RST): Up to 754 hp
• Torque (RST): Up to 785 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph (RST/WT): 4.1 seconds (WOW mode) / 5.4 seconds
• Max Towing Capacity: 12,500 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 1,800 lbs

Ride Quality and Practicality

The Silverado EV’s ride quality is a mixed bag. While it’s certainly comfortable on smooth surfaces, we did notice more pitch and head toss than we would have expected, a possible side effect of its sheer weight and suspension tuning. However, the available Adaptive Air Ride Suspension (on the RST model) does an excellent job of smoothing out rough roads and can adjust the ride height for better aerodynamics or ground clearance.

In terms of practicality, the Silverado EV shines. The innovative Multi-Flex Midgate allows you to extend the bed into the cabin by folding down the rear seats, increasing the total load floor length from 5’11” to an impressive 10’10”. The Multi-Flex Tailgate offers six different configurations, making it easier than ever to load, unload, and secure cargo. It’s clear that Chevrolet paid close attention to the real-world needs of truck owners when designing this vehicle.

Pros and Cons

Competition Comparison

Q&A: Your Top Questions Answered

• How does the Silverado EV perform off-road? The Silverado EV’s all-wheel drive and available adaptive air suspension make it highly capable for light to moderate off-roading. Its sheer size and weight, however, can be a limiting factor in more challenging terrain.
• Is the Silverado EV a unibody or body-on-frame? The Silverado EV is built on GM’s Ultium platform, which is an all-electric, dedicated chassis. It is not a unibody like some competitors, but a body-on-frame design, similar to its gas-powered counterparts. This gives it the robust, heavy-duty feel that traditional truck buyers expect.
• Can the Silverado EV power my home or tools? Yes, with the optional PowerBase off-board power accessory, the Silverado EV can deliver up to 10.2 kW of power through its various outlets, making it a powerful generator for a campsite, a job site, or even your home during a power outage.
• Is the Silverado EV available with a traditional bed? Yes, the standard bed length is 5’11”, which is a typical size for a crew cab truck. The real innovation lies in the Multi-Flex Midgate, which allows you to extend the bed’s length for carrying longer items while still keeping the tailgate closed.
• How does the Silverado EV handle in cold weather? Like all EVs, the Silverado EV will see a reduction in range in very cold temperatures due to the impact on battery efficiency and the energy required for cabin heating. However, its advanced battery management system and robust Ultium platform are designed to mitigate these effects.
• Are there any known quality control issues? While the Silverado EV is still a relatively new model, some early reviews and consumer feedback have mentioned issues with camera quality and potential water leaks around the windshield. It’s always a good idea to check specific owner forums and reviews for long-term reliability.
• Can I tow with it? How does that affect range? The Silverado EV has an impressive max towing capacity of 12,500 pounds. However, towing will significantly impact the vehicle’s range. Expect a range reduction of around 50% or more when towing a heavy load, especially at highway speeds.
• What are the different trim levels available? For 2025, the Silverado EV lineup has expanded to include the base Work Truck (WT), the mid-range LT, and the top-of-the-line RST. The trims offer different battery sizes and feature sets, with the LT and RST providing more comfort and technology.

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Vanderhall Santarosa

For years, Vanderhall has carved a unique niche in the automotive world, offering an exhilarating, open-air driving experience unlike any other. Known for their distinctive three-wheeled autocycle designs, these American-made machines have captivated enthusiasts with their blend of classic roadster aesthetics and modern performance. Until now, that performance has been powered by internal combustion engines, but a new era is dawning. Vanderhall is officially embracing the electric revolution with the highly anticipated, all-electric SantaRosa.

A Legacy of Gasoline-Powered Thrills

Vanderhall’s journey began with models like the Laguna, Venice, and Carmel, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to raw driving pleasure. These early iterations, often powered by turbocharged gasoline engines sourced from General Motors, delivered impressive acceleration and agile handling. The characteristic roar of the engine, the wind in your hair, and the direct connection to the road were hallmarks of the Vanderhall experience. Owners reveled in the blend of sportiness and retro charm, making these gas-powered autocycles beloved for weekend cruises and spirited drives alike.

The Silent Revolution: Vanderhall Goes Electric

The introduction of the SantaRosa marks a pivotal moment for Vanderhall. This move to an all-electric powertrain signals not only a commitment to sustainability but also a bold step into the future of performance driving. The silence of electric propulsion will undoubtedly transform the driving experience, offering a new kind of thrill – one characterized by instant torque and a whisper-quiet ride, all while retaining the iconic open-cockpit design.

The SantaRosa: A Glimpse into the Future

While official images and full specifications are still emerging, early glimpses and reliable sources suggest the SantaRosa will be a groundbreaking addition to the Vanderhall lineup. We can expect it to retain the brand’s signature aesthetic – low-slung, aerodynamic, and undeniably eye-catching

Anticipated Specs and Features:

• Electric Powertrain: The heart of the SantaRosa will be its electric motor, promising exhilarating acceleration characteristic of EVs. While specific power output figures are yet to be fully confirmed, expect performance that lives up to Vanderhall’s sporty reputation.
• Top Speed: Early indications suggest a top speed in the range of 100-110 mph (160-177 km/h), providing plenty of excitement on the open road.
• Range: One of the most critical aspects of any EV is its range. The SantaRosa is rumored to offer a substantial driving range, potentially upwards of 200 miles (320 kilometers) on a full charge. This would make it suitable for longer cruises and day trips without range anxiety.
• Battery Technology: Vanderhall is expected to utilize advanced battery technology to ensure both optimal performance and efficient charging.
• Modern Amenities: While retaining its minimalist, driver-focused ethos, the SantaRosa will likely incorporate modern conveniences. This could include a digital display for essential information, possibly a touchscreen infotainment system, and connectivity features. Regenerative braking will almost certainly be a standard feature, helping to extend the range.
• Charging: The SantaRosa will support various charging methods, likely including Level 2 home charging and DC fast charging capabilities for quicker top-ups on the go.

Availability

As of now, the Vanderhall SantaRosa is expected to become available to the public in late 2024 or early 2025. Vanderhall typically operates with a direct-to-consumer model and a network of authorized dealers, so potential buyers should keep an eye on official announcements for pre-order information and precise launch dates.

The Road Ahead

The all-electric SantaRosa represents a bold new chapter for Vanderhall. It blends the brand’s cherished open-air driving philosophy with the cutting-edge technology of electric propulsion. As the automotive world rapidly shifts towards electrification, Vanderhall is proving that the joy of driving, the connection to the road, and the thrill of unique design can thrive in a silent, emission-free future. The SantaRosa is poised to redefine what an electric autocycle can be, offering an electrifying and unforgettable experience to a new generation of enthusiasts.

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