The ID.Buzz is not built in the same factory as the brand’s other EVs
A new supplier has been used for the batteries in this model
Manufacturing defects in the cells have been detected
Volkswagen announced it will stop the production of the ID.Buzz for a time due to problems with the battery packs used at its Hannover factory.
The electric minivan is manufactured at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hannover, away from the production of the brand’s other electric models, which explains why Volkswagen contracted with another supplier for the batteries in this model only.
According to the automaker, manufacturing defects in the cells and the modules of the packs sent to its facility have been detected.
These defects affect the performance of the pack by causing voltage drops, which can result in a lower range than advertised.
Since all of its EVs based on the MEB platform have interchangeable batteries, Volkswagen will be able to source new parts from its other factories in Germany for the ID.Buzz, but this could affect the production rate of the ID.4 and other EVs.
While the company decides on a course of action, the assembly line at Hannover will stop initially for one week, but this pause could be prolongated.
Fortunately for the brand, none of the 500 or so units of the ID.Buzz that has been made since production began on June 2 have reached their owners, so a recall will not be needed.
However, this means that buyers awaiting delivery will need to be patient since their vehicle will have to receive a new battery pack.
Volkswagen hasn’t commented on this yet, but this unexpected halt in production could prevent it from reaching its goal of 15,000 units made by the end of the year.
