ID.Buzz California electric camper delayed by Volkswagen

author: FutureCar Staff    

If you were eagerly anticipating the release of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California, the full-fledged electric camper version, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Although work is still ongoing, Volkswagen has announced that they do not have any immediate plans to release the ID.Buzz California.

Despite the high demand for an electric camper version of the ID.Buzz, Volkswagen has stated that it would be too heavy. According to VW commercial vehicles, equipping the all-electric camper with the same equipment as the current VW California would result in a weight of at least three tons.

Due to its weight, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California would exceed the maximum weight limit for those with a European category B driving license, which is up to 3.5 tons. As a result, the upcoming VW California 6.1 will not be based on the ID.Buzz and will instead be called the Multivan.

Volkswagen will be unveiling its "California Concept" at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon, which will take place from August 25 to September 3, 2023. The concept will be based on VW's Multivan with a long wheelbase and hybrid drivetrain. Production of the concept is planned to begin next summer at VW Commercial Vehicles in Hannover, Germany.

While Volkswagen is not ruling out the possibility of an ID.Buzz California in the future, bringing it to market within this decade will be a challenge. The camper version would require new battery technology with increased energy density, range, and lower costs, which VW will be developing over the next few years.

Despite the delay of the electric camper version, the ID.Buzz has already gained significant popularity since its launch last year. In the first half of this year, 2,279 ID.Buzz models were registered, and the number reached 536 in July. This growth has propelled Volkswagen ahead of Tesla in EV registrations in Germany through July of this year.

Other companies, such as Winnebago, have already proven that an all-electric camper is possible. Additionally, companies like Alpincamper or TC Conversion provide extension kits for electric campers. Mercedes-Benz has also released its VAN.EA platform in May, which will host its next-generation electric vans, including campers.

While it is technically feasible, Volkswagen currently lacks the necessary technology to make the ID.Buzz California a practical option. The German automaker has recently partnered with external companies, such as XPeng and Hyundai Mobis, to outsource EV technology.

FutureCar Staff