ABT SE develops solar roof for the ID.Buzz and provides self-sufficient energy supply and a greater range

ABT SE develops solar roof for the ID.Buzz and provides self-sufficient energy supply and a greater range

• Battery of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is charged by solar energy without power supply unit
• Energy generated by the solar roof also suitable for other applications in the vehicle, e.g. interior lighting
• Start of series production planned for early 2024

Kempten, 06 April 2023 – The ABT Group, a leading internationally positioned technology-driven automotive company in the fields of eMobility and refinement with a strong brand, has developed an innovative solar roof for the Volkswagen ID.Buzz. The solar modules on the vehicle roof can charge the high-voltage battery of the electrically powered vehicle with a peak output of up to 600 watts. In addition, an extension of the solar module over the side surfaces of the vehicle is planned to increase the output to over 1,000 watts.

The ID. Buzz will thus be able to actively charge energy while standing and while driving, thus extending its range. The energy, which is generated autonomously by the solar roof and without a mains connection, is sufficient for up to 3,000 kilometres annually.

In addition to autonomous charging, the energy generated by the solar roof can be used for other applications in the ID.Buzz, for example for the cooling system, or when used as a van for the refrigerator or interior lighting. In this way, the energy generated is used efficiently. With the development of the solar roof, ABT has realised another major partnership with an OEM in the eMobility sector.

The start of series production of the new solar roof is planned for the beginning of 2024 via the company partners. As with the ABT Camper XNH, Volkswagen Group Service is taking over the conversion close to the factory. This saves long logistics routes in line with ABT's sustainability strategy.

Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of ABT SE: "With the development of the solar roof for the modern 'cult Bulli' ID.Buzz, we are underlining our technological competence in the field of alternative drives. The main convenience here is that the vehicle can be charged with solar energy and without a mains connection. This makes many things easier for the vehicle user in everyday life."

About ABT SE

ABT is one of the oldest and at the same time most innovative automotive brands in Germany. Founded in 1896, ABT develops future-proof technologies for automotive groups, tier 1 suppliers and end customers. In this context, ABT is proactively contributing towards shaping global megatrends such as eMobility and individualisation. A broad technological positioning combined with speed, flexibility and experience from numerous successfully implemented customer projects make ABT the preferred partner in the automotive sector. ABT has taken on a pioneering role in eMobility and has built more than 4,300 electric vehicles, including the VW T6E van. ABT is also the world's largest refiner for VW Group vehicles and operates in over 60 countries. ABT thus stands for innovative technologies and a unique design. The world-class brand of the family-run, tradition-steeped company has benefited for decades from its successes in motorsport, which have made ABT one of the most competitive teams in Europe. The experience gained in racing flows into technological innovations which are transferred directly from the racetrack into the products.

Press contact:

edicto GmbH

Dr. Sönke Knop / Svenja Liebig

Email: ABT@edicto.de

Telephone: +49 (0) 69-90 55 05-56