Volkswagen (VW) has unveiled the ID Buzz AD, its first fully autonomous electric vehicle, with plans for operational deployment in cities like Hamburg and Los Angeles by 2027.

The company has partnered with Uber, which aims to purchase up to 10,000 units of the ID Buzz AD over the next decade.

VW intends to deliver significantly more than 10,000 units, with the first 1,000 expected to be operational by the end of 2027.

Due to its operational restrictions and the necessity for a command center, the ID Buzz AD will not be sold to private customers, with costs potentially reaching six figures in euros.

The German government is focused on establishing the country as a leader in autonomous driving, with public transport companies spearheading the initiative.

The ID Buzz AD is equipped with advanced technology, including 13 cameras, nine lidars, and five radars, enabling autonomous driving at speeds up to 120 km/h.

Currently, Germany lacks type approval for fully autonomous Level-4 systems, although pilot projects have been underway since 2020.

VW aims to secure regulatory approval for driverless operation in Europe and the USA by the end of 2026, marking a significant milestone for Level 4 autonomy.

The company plans to begin series production of the ID Buzz AD by the end of 2026 to supply cities and fleet operators globally.

Testing of prototypes has been ongoing since 2021, with over 100 vehicles covering more than 600,000 kilometers in cities like Munich and Hamburg.

VW is primarily targeting large fleet operators and has existing partnerships in Hamburg and Berlin, anticipating further contracts to expand operations.

Concerns regarding the vehicle's passenger capacity and accessibility may pose challenges for its integration into public transportation systems.