VW ID Buzz California Cruise - Anti Climax

[Ajspicer]

Roll on late August for more information.

ID. California Cruise: Der California wird elektrisch - ID.Community

Weltpremiere auf dem Caravan Salon 2026 - Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge kündigt den ersten vollelektrischen ID. California Cruise an

www.idcommunity.net

 

[chockswahay]

Niiiiiiice!

 

[CaliAndyScotland]

These are smaller than the current Multivan and the old Transporter. Might be a bit of a squeeze ‍

 

[KevH]

These are smaller than the current Multivan and the old Transporter. Might be a bit of a squeeze ‍

It will be interesting to see how the restricted interior space is maximised to entice existing and potential Cali owners to consider the switch.
But the thought if a 100% electric Cali is mouthwatering....provided that the roof doesn't sag or leak of course

 

[Soton Campers]

I'm hoping the base platform is an ID.Buzz Cargo which has similar dimensions to the T6.1

 

[stoobthealien]

These are smaller than the current Multivan and the old Transporter. Might be a bit of a squeeze ‍

I was thinking that - I wonder if it will only really work in a Beach type configuration

 

[acer]

Isn’t the problem going to be finding enough campsites that have the facility for you to plug-in for the “California future to be all electric” as the article suggests? We go to some very basic campsites that might struggle to justify the installation costs.

 

[Cali Phillip]

I was thinking that - I wonder if it will only really work in a Beach type configuration

But like this then on the same website https://www.idcommunity.net/endlich-camper-modus-fuer-den-id-buzz/

 

[owen_h]

During this summer’s 2 week holiday around Brittany I was travelling with some friends who had an electric car (Renault Scenic). They managed to charge to some extent at 2 Of the 3 campsites we visited. The 3rd didn’t allow elec car charging (but it did have hookup).
They only plugged in at night and the ‘granny’ charger seemed to throttle it at 6A. So didn’t add a huge % to their range, but for some days the car wasn’t being used anyway.
For the 2 weeks they only used a public charger twice, once before getting on the ferry (Plymouth) and once during an extended visit to a supermarket.
Having the electric car wasn’t an issue at all for the trip. We did around 700 miles in total.
The Scenic has WLTP quoted range of about 350 miles I think. ID Buzz about 250. I think had I been In a hypothetical ID Buzz camper there would have been 1 possibility 2 extra occasions when I would have needed to stop to charge during a journey.


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[Coachella]

Isn’t the problem going to be finding enough campsites that have the facility for you to plug-in for the “California future to be all electric” as the article suggests? We go to some very basic campsites that might struggle to justify the installation costs.

I dont think its a campesite thing to worry about.
We all dont turn up to a campsite to expect a petrol station.

The battery supply ,should if managed ok, handle what we currently see supplied in most Campers / MOHO - 96-105aH Battery.
Would be good to see if there was a reserved area in the management of the battery just for the camping. I dont think the KIA PV does this when put in camping mode.
Maybe i am just over complicating it - but the size of batteries that are currently used for the leisure battery should be easily covered in the vehicle battery for a few days.
Then if getting low on the vehicle battery - its then a trip out the next day from the camp site looking for a charger - like you would for a petrol station.

Having a EHU for that top up - thats another can of worms

 

[Chriskend]

we have run two EV’s for the last 9 years and I also have a T7 td, I wouldn’t entertain an EV camper in Scotland unless it could cover at least 600mls between charges, I am on the side of EV’s but I know what it’s like trying to find a working charger up here let alone find one where you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to plug it in. In real terms once loaded up the buzz just doesn’t cut the mustard

 

[swfblade]

On the size/space thing, there is talk of portable inflatable Kitchens. VW are working with a 3rd party for this, I think its Stuff Bubble. Was announced alongside the Buzz Cali, so wouldn't surprise me if it was more of a Beach layout with this.

 

[Corgimajor]

Gross vehicle weight of a standard wheel base ID Buzz is already 3,000 kg. Once it has be "Californicated" one imagines this could be north of 3,500 kg, thereby incurring restrictions in the UK in areas such as licensing, testing and operating (e.g. speed restrictions). I'm sure VW realise this - so either camping facilities are going to be limited (e.g. no awning, fridge, etc.) or more weight saving is going to be found elsewhere in the vehicle - smaller battery perhaps ??

 

[Adeline]

Hi, I’m not an EV hater, just an EV dubiouser (not an actual word, I know). Anyone know what the driving range is?

 

[WelshGas]

Hi, I’m not an EV hater, just an EV dubiouser (not an actual word, I know). Anyone know what the driving range is?

A lot less than the published range in the real world. And if you run out of power that's it, and you can't even make brew while waiting for the Breakdown service.
At least a Hybrid gives you alternatives.

 

[chockswahay]

If I could have a 150 mile realistic range I'd have one! I find that most people (Chriskend excepted ) who have not owned an EV "over worry "about range. We have an electric Mini Cooper and the range is pants (120 miles) but it has never been a problem and we often drive over 180 miles in one trip with just a top up on the way. Also, EV's are just SO MUCH NICER to drive!

 

[Adeline]

Thanks. Just watching this space…..

 

[Ajspicer]

How disappointing, a badge and a mattress doesn't make it a California!
Only sleeps 2,
No rotating seats
Chairs and table just sit in the boot
No wind out awning
No water storage
No storage solutions

VW really need to offer something better than this token package.

 

[FivetonesCali]

A lot less than the published range in the real world. And if you run out of power that's it, and you can't even make brew while waiting for the Breakdown service.
At least a Hybrid gives you alternatives.

The complexity of hybrid can also make them the worst of both worlds though too. Especially when implemented by VW (look at all the draining battery threads for the T7!).

 

[WelshGas]

The complexity of hybrid can also make them the worst of both worlds though too. Especially when implemented by VW (look at all the draining battery threads for the T7!).

That have been sorted.
Many new models have problems. T6 with Adblue, T6.1 with Bellows.
The Hybrid technology has been around for a while and now standard with many manufacturers.
But until battery technology improves an all electric campervan will be severely restricted compared to a IC or Hybrid.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Running out of power in an electric vehicle is no different to running out of power in a petrol or diesel vehicle, i.e. people plan accordingly and seldom run out of power or fuel. My neighbours have an ID Buzz and have just come back from a two week holiday in the UK from here in Germany in it, they planned accordingly and had no issues.

That said, the range would not suit the way we use our campervan. Holidays for us normally have a long drive at the start and end, and 1000km in a day is quite normal for us. As far as I can tell that sort of distance would be at least three charging stops with a Buzz, which would be annoying. We can charge at home though so everyday use would be cheap.

For me, the bigger issue with Buzz campers is the lack of pop-up roof and general payload issues. It seems to me to be more of day van than a campervan. I am struggling to see what VW have done to make that a California other than plaster on some stickers, stick in a mattress and throw in some folding chairs. If someone really wants that sort of thing I suspect they could buy a standard Buzz and fit it out much cheaper than the outrageous price that VW will probably want.

I do think there is a market for electric campervans and that market will only grow as battery technology improves. The Kia PV5 seems a better starting point at the moment and the PV7 that is due next year may be a really good base for a campervan.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

That have been sorted.
Many new models have problems. T6 with Adblue, T6.1 with Bellows.
The Hybrid technology has been around for a while and now standard with many manufacturers.
But until battery technology improves an all electric campervan will be severely restricted compared to a IC or Hybrid.

I believe you have a hybrid multivan? What is it like once the battery is used up?

 

[FivetonesCali]

That have been sorted.
Many new models have problems. T6 with Adblue, T6.1 with Bellows.
The Hybrid technology has been around for a while and now standard with many manufacturers.
But until battery technology improves an all electric campervan will be severely restricted compared to a IC or Hybrid.

Recent posts suggest it’s better but not resolved. Even when fixed the complexity, and extra weight, of effectively running two motor systems still remains. Especially when user access to the traction battery remains limited.

 

[KevH]

How disappointing, a badge and a mattress doesn't make it a California!
Only sleeps 2,
No rotating seats
Chairs and table just sit in the boot
No wind out awning
No water storage
No storage solutions

VW really need to offer something better than this token package.

I really want to like this, however I agree, it is a huge disappointment and how VW can badge this as a Cali baffles me.
VW appear to have dropped the ball again: they now offer two Calis, but the Multivan isn't a true EV and the Buzz isn't even a campervan. Surely somebody at VW can sort this mess out.

 

[WelshGas]

I believe you have a hybrid multivan? What is it like once the battery is used up?

It's never used up. EV used in place of 1st and Reverse and recharged when driving. When cruising battery recharged and pure IC mpg 50-60mpg.