If you’re eager to get your hands on the fully-fledged electric camper model of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, you’ll need to hold out a little longer. Although work continues on implementation, Volkswagen has no plans to unveil the ID.Buzz California anytime soon.
Volkswagen delays ID. Buzz California electric camper’s launch schedule.
Although fully electric camper vans may be a promising prospect, one wouldn’t be readily available from Volkswagen’s industrial vehicles anytime soon.
Despite the high demand for the electric ID.Buzz camper van, Volkswagen is concerned that its weight may be a limiting factor. Volkswagen has officially confirmed plans to develop an all-electric version of its popular industrial automobiles, which will utilise the same toolset as the existing Volkswagen California. The zero-emission camper is expected to tip the scales at a minimum of three tons when fully loaded.
Given that the Volkswagen ID.Buzz California has a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tons, individuals holding a European Class B driving licence may find it too heavy due to its substantial payload.
The upcoming Volkswagen California 6.1 is not directly derived from the ID.Buzz platform. It won’t even retain its identity. As a substitute, the vehicle will likely be referred to as the Multivan.
At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, taking place from August 25 to September 3, 2023, Volkswagen will be unveiling its highly anticipated “California Idea”. The concept will be largely rooted in Volkswagen’s Multivan, but with a stretched wheelbase and a hybrid powertrain at its core.
The Volkswagen Group has announced plans to commence production of its new manufacturing model at VW Industrial Vehicles’ facility in Hannover, Germany, with an expected rollout set for the following summer season.
While Volkswagen hasn’t entirely dismissed the possibility of an ID.Buzz California, making it a reality by the end of this decade seems unlikely. As e-mobility continues to gain momentum, Volkswagen’s camper model is poised for significant advancements, necessitating the development of more powerful batteries at reduced costs – an endeavour that will unfold over the coming years.
Electrek’s Take
Despite the delayed release of the electrical camper model, the ID.Buzz has garnered unprecedented demand since its launch last year.
Following a strong start, 2,279 Volkswagen ID.Buzz fashion vehicles had been recorded by mid-year, with a remarkable surge to 536 in July alone. The expansion likely proved decisive, propelling Volkswagen past Tesla in electric vehicle registrations in Germany up until July this year.
As for the ID. Buzz California, various companies have confirmed that a fully electric camper van variant is viable, comparable to Winnebago’s offerings, while others provide conversion kits such as AlpinCamper and TC Conversion.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz debuted its VAN.EA platform in May, designed to accommodate its next-generation electric vans, including camper van variants.
Although Volkswagen may theoretically execute this strategy, they currently lack the necessary expertise to make it viable. The German automaker recently formed partnerships with several outdoor companies to outsource electric vehicle technology, including collaborations with XPeng and Hyundai Mobis.
