Volkswagen Unveils ID. Buzz Camper Van Variant
Volkswagen is a jolt of electricity to its camper van lineup.
The German automaker just unveiled the ID. California Cruise at this year’s Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf. The new model is the first all-electric version of the California in the model’s 23-year history.
The California Cruise is based on the ID. Buzz Pro, the top-of-the-line version of VW’s battery-powered update of the classic Type 2 Minibus. The EV has yet to catch on in the U.S.—the automaker decided to pull the van from the stateside market in 2026, though it claims the move was only temporary—it’s become a global success, according to Motor1.com. Worldwide deliveries doubled to 60,700 units last year, with demand split close to evenly between the passenger and commercial version of the vehicle.
Volkswagen ID. California Cruise
Volkswagen
At a glance, the ID. California Cruise looks nearly identical to the regular ID. Buzz Pro. It features the same sleek, aerodynamic shape and can be optioned with a retro-inspired two-tone pain job, with the only real difference being the addition of some subtle California badging. Buyers will be able to choose between two wheelbase sizes: standard, which measures 117.7 inches, and long, which measures 127.5 inches. The former comes equipped with a 79-kWh battery pack that delivers an estimated 286-mile range, while the latter features an 86-kWh pack that can run for up to 302 miles between charges.
The differences between the two vans become clear when you open up either of its sliding doors. The ID. California Cruise isn’t as fully stocked as some of the best luxury camper vans on the market, but it features some model-specific accessories that make weekend getaways a little easier. These include rear seats that can be converted into a comfortable bed with room for two adults, ventilation grilles in the back, and black-out window curtains. The van also comes with two camping chairs and a table that stow away neatly beneath the mattress and features a California power mode that allows certain lights and ports to be used overnight. Finally, the EV’s corresponding California app features a new mode that will help you find compatible charging stations along your route.
Inside the ID. California Cruise
Volkswagen
In the market for an all-electric camper van. Volkswagen will start selling the ID. California Cruise soon, with pricing beginning at €60,800 (roughly $70,500). Unfortunately, there seem to be no plans to sell the van outside of Europe as of now.
Click here for more photos of the Volkswagen ID. California Cruise.
