VW postpones release of ID.Buzz California electric camper

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. Despite ongoing work, Volkswagen has no plans to release the ID.Buzz California anytime soon.

Fully electric camper vans are indeed possible, but VW commercial vehicles won't be offering one in the near future. Despite the high demand for an electric camper version of the ID.Buzz, Volkswagen believes 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.

Consequently, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California would exceed the weight limit for individuals with a European category B driving license, which allows for a total weight of up to 3.5 tons, including the payload.

As a result, the upcoming VW California 6.1 will not be based on the ID.Buzz and will not retain the same name. Instead, it will be called the Multivan.

VW will showcase its "California Concept" at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon, scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 3, 2023. This concept will be based on VW's Multivan, featuring a long wheelbase and hybrid drivetrain.

According to reports, the production version of the California Concept is planned to be launched 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 pose 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 this year alone, 2,279 ID.Buzz models were registered, with an additional 536 registrations in July. This growth has likely propelled Volkswagen ahead of Tesla in EV registrations in Germany through July of this year.

While Volkswagen may not have the necessary technology at the moment, other companies have demonstrated the feasibility of all-electric campers, such as Winnebago, and there are 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 may be possible, Volkswagen currently lacks the technology to make an all-electric camper practical. The German automaker has recently formed partnerships with external companies like XPeng and Hyundai Mobis to outsource EV technology.

FutureCar Staff