Volkswagen delays release of ID.Buzz California electric camper

author: FutureCar Staff    

If you were anticipating the release of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California, the electric camper version, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Although work is still ongoing, Volkswagen has no plans to launch the ID.Buzz California anytime soon.

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

As a result, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California would exceed the weight limit for individuals with a European category B driving license, which permits vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons.

Therefore, the upcoming VW California 6.1 will not be based on the ID.Buzz and will be known as the Multivan instead.

VW 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.

The production version of the concept is expected to start rolling out next summer at VW Commercial Vehicles in Hannover, Germany.

While Volkswagen is not ruling out the possibility of an ID.Buzz California, 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 continue to develop over the next few years.

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

Other companies, such as Winnebago, have demonstrated the feasibility of an all-electric camper, and there are also extension kits available from companies like Alpincamper or TC Conversion. Mercedes-Benz has also released its VAN.EA platform in May, which will support its next-generation electric vans, including campers.

While it is possible to create an electric camper, Volkswagen currently lacks the necessary technology to make it practical. The German automaker has recently formed partnerships with external companies, such as XPeng and Hyundai Mobis, to outsource EV technology.

FutureCar Staff