ID model will expand California range to first EV
Van-based camper traces back to original VW Bus
Volkswagen has just confirmed that the ID. Buzz electric van will get a camper counterpart. The ID. California will turn the VW camper into an EV, with the van expected to arrive sometime in the second half of the decade.
The automaker says, Carscoops reports, that there is high demand for its camper vans in a large number of markets, and that orders have been increasing over the past few months. California is the name VW uses for the RV versions of its Transporter and Caddy-based vans that are sold in markets outside of the US and Canada.
According to the report, the camper version of the Buzz will get the same MEB platform, likely a long-wheelbase version for more room. Expect the largest 111 kWh battery pack to allow more time off-grid as well as more range for the heavier model. This is a California, so expect the pop-up tent roof that is the signature of those models.
Existing California models can be fitted with kitchens and are known for impressive use of interior space. VW could take this to a whole new level with the driveline and platform advantages of an EV architecture.
“The ID. California based on the ID. Buzz will combine the ongoing trend towards mobile leisure arrangements with sustainable CO2-neutral mobility,” said VW Commercial Vehicles CEO Dr Carsten Intra.
The van will be built at VW Group’s Hannover plant, which will also build the Buzz, the T7 Multivan, a new Bentley, and other group models.
