Volkswagen ID. Buzz – A joyful throwback to the future
Driving the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an experience that left a lasting impression. This all-electric micro bus seamlessly fuses the charm of the classic VW minibus with today’s EV tech, creating something truly unique on the road. Everywhere I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped people in their tracks and everyone had questions about it. Having the chance to be one of the first to drive this iconic vehicle was very exciting and I have some thoughts.
Spec breakdown
The ID Buzz, for the US, was announced last year and there have been plenty of articles showing off the specs and everything it has on paper. This article is mostly about how it feels to truly drive this car and have it as your own. But I did want to touch on the high level specs for those that want a refresher. Here’s a brief overview of the ID. Buzz’s key specs:
- Range: The Pro S Plus RWD (the model I was driving) delivers an estimated 234 miles on a full charge.
- Power: With 282 horsepower, it has plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising.
- Towing: The RWD models are rated for 2,600 lbs while AWD can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
- Charging: Fast charging lets you go from 10-80% in just 26 minutes—ideal for those long road trips.
- Space: With the third row removed, you’ll have 145.5 cubic feet of space for cargo.
- Here are some key high-level specs for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz:
- Battery Size: 91 kWh
- Turning Radius (RWD): 37.4 feet
Now that we have some of those specs out of the way, lets get into the driving experience!
Instant icon
Visually, the ID. Buzz is unmistakable. The retro design cues, such as the oversized VW logo and two-tone paint, immediately take you back to the glory days of the original Microbus. Yet, it’s not just a nostalgia trip—the sleek lines and LED lighting give it a futuristic appeal. As I drove through the winding roads north of San Francisco and back onto the highway, I couldn’t help but notice the attention it received. Heads turned, people pointed, and it felt like driving a piece of history reinvented for today. Every pit stop we made, someone came up to me asking about it and told me stories of their experiences with the original model. You could feel the nostalgia from everyone.
While the ID. Buzz captures the spirit of the original Microbus, it’s a completely different beast under the hood. The classic Microbus was known for its simplicity, rear-mounted air-cooled engine, and modest power. In contrast, the new ID. Buzz features an all-electric powertrain, offering significantly more horsepower and modern EV technology. It’s designed with advanced safety features, fast charging capabilities, and a sleek aerodynamic profile that the original could only dream of. The essence of the beloved Microbus remains, but the ID. Buzz is undeniably a vehicle built for the future.
Nimble and smooth
Behind the wheel, the ID. Buzz feels far more agile than you’d expect from a vehicle of this size. Thanks to its low center of gravity, courtesy of the battery placement, and its impressive turning radius, it handles like a much smaller car. I was driving the Pro S Plus RWD version, and navigating sharp curves and tight spots felt remarkably easy. On the winding roads, the ID. Buzz maintained its composure, offering great traction and a smooth, almost effortless ride.
Highway driving was equally impressive. The electric powertrain delivered instant torque, making acceleration smooth and responsive. So even though it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it still is able to do that in 6 seconds, allowing you to overtake cars and merge onto highways with ease. There’s no engine noise to speak of, so the cabin remains peaceful—a nice touch for long drives. One of the more impressive aspects I notice was the lack of outside noise. For a car with so much volume and no white engine noise, it was insanely quiet. Much quieter than my Model Y. And while the ID. Buzz is a large vehicle, it never felt cumbersome, whether I was cruising at highway speeds or handling more intricate driving situations.
Comfort and space
Step inside, and the ID. Buzz continues to impress. The cabin is vast, offering more space than many full-size SUVs, yet the vehicle’s footprint is closer to that of a midsize crossover. The high-quality finishes (which most comst standard) give it a refined, yet welcoming feel. The seats were supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives, and the overall layout of the interior felt well-thought-out and practical. Every trim comes with heated seats throughout the car, and ventilated seats for the front row. While the trim I had, also came with a massage setting which was a nice surprise.
There’s room for up to seven passengers, and with the rear seats folded down, a cavernous 145.5 cubic feet of cargo space awaits. It also ahs eight 45W USB-C ports throughout the car, giving enough power to charge even your Macbook and there is even a wireless charger for the front passengers. There were also other smaller details you notice like the HUD for the driver as well as a light bar under the windshield that actually has a function aside from aesthetics. It will blink one way when its time to turn, or turn red when it needs you to touch the wheel while using the drive assist. Love the form and function. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or need extra space for an outdoor adventure, the ID. Buzz has you covered.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to be available later this year. While pre-orders are not open yet, you can visit the Volkswagen website to configure your exact model and see detailed pricing based on your preferences.
- Pro S RWD: Starting at $59,995, offering a great balance of range, power, and features.
- Pro S Plus AWD: Available at $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for AWD, with additional premium features.
- 1st Edition: A special launch model with unique badging and features, starting at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD.
With its mix of iconic design, modern EV technology, and practical features, the ID. Buzz is set to be a popular choice once it hits dealerships.
My takeaway
Overall, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was a great experience. I was surprised how they were able to give me that nostagic feel but in a car that can easily be used as an everyday car. Before seeing it in person and driving it, I thought to myself “this is a cool looking car but is it practical as your daily driver”? The answer is, yes. I bet we see more of these on the road than you think. It’s ideal for families, adventurers, or anyone in need of a spacious, versatile vehicle that’s fun to drive. I can see myself using this to take my kids to a soccer or hockey practice. I can see us using this for our yearly road trip from New Jersey To Florida and back comfortably. Whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling a road trip, the ID. Buzz has the space, power, and charm to keep you smiling the whole way.
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A new review of US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data by the SUN DAY Campaign reveals that solar delivered almost 9% of US electricity in the first half of 2025. Wind and solar combined produced just over one-fifth of the country’s electricity, while renewables as a whole hit nearly 28%.
Solar’s record-breaking growth
EIA’s latest monthly Electric Power Monthly report (with data through June 30, 2025) confirms that solar kept its streak as the fastest-growing major source of US electricity. In June 2025 alone, solar soared. Utility-scale solar power plants cranked out 30.1% more electricity than in June 2024, while rooftop and other small-scale solar systems grew by 10.5%. Combined, solar generation jumped 25% year-over-year and made up 10.2% of US electricity that month.
Looking at the first six months of 2025, utility-scale solar expanded by 37.6%, and small-scale systems rose 10.7%. Together, they grew nearly one-third (29.7%) compared to the same period in 2024. That meant solar provided 8.7% of all US electricity in January-June, up from 6.9% the year before.
That’s a milestone: Solar is now producing almost 45% more electricity than hydropower (6.0%), and it’s generating more than hydropower, biomass, and geothermal combined.
Wind is still a front-runner
Wind turbines supplied 11.6% of US electricity in the first half of 2025 — a 2.4% boost compared to the same time in 2024. Wind’s output was almost double hydropower’s contribution.
Wind + solar are beating coal and nuclear
Together, wind and solar accounted for 20.3% of total US electricity in the first half of 2025, up from 18.6% last year. That’s a bigger share than coal or nuclear. In fact, wind and solar generated 25% more electricity than coal and 15.6% more than nuclear over the same period.
Renewables overall are surging
All renewable sources combined – wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal – generated 27.7% of US electricity from January through June 2025, up from 26.1% a year ago. Their output grew three times faster than total US electricity generation overall (9.2% vs. 3.0%). Renewables are now second only to natural gas, whose generation actually dropped 3.7% in the first half of the year.
Ken Bossong, executive director of the SUN DAY Campaign, added that this growth happened before the passage of the Trump/Republican “megabill,” which could slow future renewable expansion. “Nonetheless, EIA notes that US developers expect half of new electric generating capacity to come from solar in 2025 and another 13% from wind.”
Read more: EIA: Solar outproduced wind for the first time ever in May
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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The new and improved Hyundai IONIQ 5, or the hot-selling Chevy Equinox EV? Which electric SUV makes the smarter lease? Here’s the rundown.
Over 607,000 electric vehicles were sold in the US in the first half of 2025, thanks to some big discounts. Many automakers are currently offering generous savings, as Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is set to end federal EV incentives at the end of September.
According to Cox Automotive’s latest EV Market Monitor report, EV incentives reached a record of nearly $8,500 in June, or about 15% off the average transaction price (ATP).
That’s more than double the incentives offered on gas-powered vehicles. Seven electric vehicles had an ATP below $40,000, including the Chevy Equinox EV. The Equinox EV was the top-selling EV in the price range.
Starting at just $34,995, GM calls it “America’s most affordable 315+ range EV.” The electric Equinox has already propelled Chevy to become the number two EV brand in the US behind Tesla.
Through the first half of the year, the Chevy Equinox EV accounted for nearly a third of GM’s electric vehicle sales. And it could have sold even more. A dealer in California reached out to Electrek, claiming they had to wait over a month to receive Equinox EV models. It’s now on track to be among the top three selling EVs in the US.
Which EV to lease: Chevy Equinox EV or Hyundai IONIQ 5
With leases starting at just $289 per month, it’s no wonder the electric SUV is flying off the lot. The offer is for 24 months with $3,909 due at signing.
Alternatively, you can opt for 0% APR financing for 60 months, which Chevy is offering on all 2025 electric vehicle models.
| 2025 Chevy Equinox EV trim | Starting Price | EPA-estimated Range | Monthly lease Price (August 2025) |
| LT FWD | $34,995 | 319 miles | $289 |
| LT AWD | $40,295 | 307 miles | $351 |
| RS FWD | $45,790 | 319 miles | $416 |
| RS AWD | $49,090 | 307 miles | $453 |
The base 2025 Chevy Equinox EV LT starts at $34,995 with up to 319 miles of range. The interior boasts up to 57.2 cu ft of space and a 17.7″ infotainment screen.
How does it compare to the IONIQ 5? Hyundai has upgraded its best-selling electric SUV with major improvements, including increased range (now up to 318 miles), a revamped interior and exterior, and a built-in NACS port to access Tesla Superchargers.
After cutting lease prices again last month, the new and improved 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now listed at just $179 per month.
In some places, such as California and other ZEV states, Hyundai is offering leases starting at as low as $159 per month.
However, that’s for the base SE mode, which has an EPA-estimated driving range of 245 miles. The longer-range IONIQ 5 SE RWD, with 318 miles range, can still be leased for just $199 per month right now. Both offers are for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing.
| 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Trim | EV Powertrain | Driving Range (miles) | Starting Price* | Monthly lease price August 2025 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD Standard Range | 168-horsepower rear motor | 245 | $42,500 | $179 |
| IONIQ 5 SE RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $46,550 | $199 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $49,500 | $209 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited RWD | 225-horsepower rear motor | 318 | $54,200 | $309 |
| IONIQ 5 SE Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $50,050 | $249 |
| IONIQ 5 SEL Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 290 | $53,000 | $259 |
| IONIQ 5 XRT Dual Motor AWD | 320 horsepower dual motor | 259 | $55,400 | $359 |
| IONIQ 5 Limited Dual Motor AWD | 320-horsepower dual motor | 269 | $58,100 | $299 |
Hyundai is also throwing in a complimentary ChargePoint Level 2 home charger with the purchase or lease of a new 2025 IONIQ 5. All IONIQ 5 trims are listed with 1.99% APR financing for up to 60 months.
The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 offers up to 59.3 cu ft of cargo space with a dual 12.3″ driver display and infotainment system setup.
Both the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Chevy Equinox EV are hard to pass up right now, with lease prices expected to be as low as they will ever be.
Looking to snag the savings while they last? You can use our links below to find offers on the Chevy Equinox EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 near you.
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Nissan has officially confirmed the icon will be making a comeback. Although Nissan is no longer building GT-R models, CEO Ivan Espinosa said Godzilla will “evolve and reemerge” in the future. Here’s what we know so far.
Nissan confirms the GT-R will evolve and reemerge
It seems like we’ve been talking about the next-gen Nissan GT-R for years now. After the last model rolled off the production line at the automaker’s Tochigi plant in Japan on Tuesday, Nissan’s CEO made it clear that the GT-R will be making a comeback.
After bidding farewell to the R35, Espinosa gave the many GT-R fans worldwide hope, saying, “I want to tell you this isn’t a goodbye to the GT-R forever.”
He added that it’s Nissan’s “goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return.” Although this is the end of the line for the R35, the company remains committed to the GT-R nameplate and wants to “reimagine it for a new generation.”
According to Espinosa, Nissan doesn’t have any finalized plans yet, but he promised that “the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”
Nissan says the next Godzilla will ensure the GT-R’s legacy lives on, but will pack even more performance. The big question is, what type of powertrain will it arrive with? Will it be electric? A hybrid? Or, will it still be gas-powered?
At the New York Auto Show in April, Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, told The Drive that the next GT-R will be a hybrid, rather than an all-electric.
However, Nissan previewed an electric GT-R a few years ago with the Hyper Force EV concept. The electric sports car concept was promoted as a “game-changing hyper EV” with over 1,300 horsepower (1,000 kW).
All that power is expected to come from solid-state batteries. Just last week, Nissan secured a partnership with LiCAP Technologies to produce all-solid-state EV batteries on a mass scale, one of the biggest hurdles to getting the new technology to market.
Since Nissan aims to launch its first EV powered by solid-state batteries in 2028, we could see the GT-R reemerge as a plug-in hybrid until the technology is ready.
Either way, it will likely be a few years before we see an electrified Godzilla. If it evolves into an EV or hybrid, it remains up in the air for now.
While Nissan says an all-electric GT-R won’t deliver the performance needed to live up to the nameplate, others are proving otherwise. BYD’s first electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, set a new EV speed record this week after hitting nearly 300 mph.
How do you feel about it? Should the GT-R go all-electric? Or will Nissan settle for a hybrid? Drop us a comment below and let us know which one you’d buy.
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