Volkswagen is making an electric, autonomous version of its classic minibus

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated with the most recent information.

In 2013, Volkswagen announced that its Type 2 minibus would be taken off the production line, seemingly marking the end of a midcentury classic and hippie icon. Not quite, apparently!

At the Detroit auto show earlier this year, the German carmaker unveiled a new concept van called I.D. Buzz, which looks like a modern interpretation of the original minibus, but with a high-tech twist.

While the rounded body and V-esque lines on its “face” recall the vintage design, I.D. Buzz represents Volkswagen’s new push into electric vehicles. The all-electric car would have a driving range of 270 miles, a fully autonomous mode where the driver’s seat can turn 180 degrees towards the rear, as well as a head-up display with augmented reality.

Since introducing the concept, the company has apparently seen so much interest that it went ahead and confirmed the new model at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance car show in Monterey, California last weekend.

“After the presentations at the global motor shows in Detroit and Geneva, we received a large number of letters and emails from customers who said, ‘please build this car’,” said Volkswagen brand CEO Dr. Herbert Diess in a statement.

According to the company, the the production version of the electric Microbus will return in 2022. And when it does, the model will also come with a cargo version aimed at urban deliveries and services.

Via: New Atlas, Volkswagen