The all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz minibus has been a significant success for Volkswagen, helping the company surpass Tesla in EV sales in Germany during the first seven months of the year. The ID. Buzz, inspired by the iconic VW Type 2 van, has gained attention not just as a people hauler but also as a potential candidate for conversion into a camper van.
Volkswagen has been considering bringing the well-known “California” nameplate to the ID. Buzz model, creating an electric version of the popular pop-up camper. However, a new report from Edison Media suggests that the electric California camper has been delayed due to concerns about its weight.
The current VW California camper is based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) Multivan and meets weight restrictions to fit within the European B driving license category. This category imposes a maximum vehicle weight of 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg). The report indicates that an ID. Buzz equipped similarly to the Multivan-based California, including a pop-up roof and built-in kitchen, would have a dry weight of around 6,613 lbs (3,000 kg). With passengers and luggage, the total weight might exceed the license limit, potentially requiring a truck license (C category).
As a result, Volkswagen’s upcoming California Concept camper, set to be showcased at the Caravan Salon show in Dusseldorf, Germany, will be based on a plug-in hybrid long-wheelbase Multivan. The production version of this camper is expected to be introduced next year.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which made its debut in the United States in June, offers a long-wheelbase model with two battery options: 82-kilowatt-hour and 91-kWh units. Deliveries of the all-electric microbus are set to begin in the third quarter of 2024.