One of the electric vehicles due next year that we’re most excited about is the Volkswagen ID Buzz, a retro-infused MPV that takes design inspiration from the classic T2 Transporter.
The machine, which is built on the same VW Group platform as the ID 3 hatch and ID 4 SUV, was first shown in concept form back in 2017, and is set to be revealed in February in both people carrier and commercial cargo van forms.
But while the T2, which was first launched in 1950, was particularly popular in the UK for the various official and unofficial camper van conversions, Volkswagen had yet to confirm any plans for an official camper version of the ID Buzz - until now.
During a Volkswagen Group press conference outlining a major investment in new technology (our colleagues on Autocar have more information here), chairman Herbert Diess confirmed that an ID California camper will be built alongside the ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo at the firm’s Hanover factory.
No further details of the machine have been given this stage, but it’s likely to closely mirror the current Volkswagen California camper, which is based on the combustion-engined Transporter van. It was the first in-house camper offered by VW, and launched back in 2003. That includes a built-in kitchen, a sofa that folds into a double bed and a pop-up roof that turns into another double bed.
The ID California will likely be based closely on the MPV version of the ID Buzz, which will include a 111kWh battery that gives a range of up to 373 miles, and will be offered with a single motor offering rear-wheel-drive, or a two-motor version that is all-wheel-drive. It also features an electric sliding door to give access to the rear compartment.
Notably, Volkswagen is also using the ID Buzz to test autonomous technology through its Moia mobility services arm, and is aiming to offer self-driving shuttle services in certain cities from next year onwards.
READ MORE
e-CARS
e-BIKES
e-MOTORBIKES
Seat Mo 125 electric scooter review
e-SCOOTERS
Exclusive: E-scooter CO2 saving
e-WORLD