​Volkswagen has just updated the battery in the VW ID. Buzz Cargo with a fractionally smaller battery. But that’s an upgrade! Hear me out…

The new battery pack drops overall capacity from the previous 59kWh pack down to 58kWh. This sounds like a downgrade, but the new battery lends the ID. Buzz Cargo an extra 17 miles of WLTP range and an additional 20hp!

That means that the commercial Buzz now gets an official WLTP range of 218 miles, and a power boost to 190hp - all attributed to a more efficient NMC battery cell technology. Just goes to show that sheer size isn’t everything when it comes to battery packs.

The updated ID. Buzz has also had a price cut down to £29,995 before VAT - a drop of £5,655 when compared to the outgoing 59kWh model. The Buzz Cargo remains eligible for the £5,000 plug-in van grant too, further reducing the purchase price to £24,995 for eligible buyers.

So, more range, more power, for less money. What more could you possibly want? Well, as if that wasn’t enough, VW is also bringing vehicle-to-load (V2L) capacity to the entire ID. Buzz Cargo range, conveniently placed in the rear load area. It’s capable of 2kW of sustained output and up to 3.6kW of peak output in short bursts.

Finally on the list of upgrades, a software update to ID. Software 6.0 which now has its own app store, an enhanced Connected Travel Assist to better plan charging stops en route, and traffic light recognition which can automatically bring the van to a stop, should you miss a red light.

Business contract hire plans now start at £239/mo based on a 24-month term, with £2,151 initial rent, 5,000 annual miles, and eligibility for the plug-in van grant. What’s not to like?