Volkswagen’s highly anticipated electric campervan, the VW ID. California, initially confirmed in 2021, may not hit the roads as soon as speculated. Despite reaffirming its commitment to launching the model, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles appears hesitant to introduce the electric campervan anytime soon.
In December 2021, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWCV) unveiled plans for the pure electric campervan, but withheld details about its launch timeline. Fast forward three years, and the VW ID. California’s debut seems to remain a few years away.
Speaking at the world premiere of the all-new VW California (T7) on May 7, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles CEO Prof Dr Carsten Intra provided updates on the VW ID. California. He mentioned that the company is actively working on the model but is “waiting for the customer response on it,” explaining the absence of a launch timeline. According to Prof Dr Intra, there’s currently insufficient demand for a pure electric camper, indicating that the ID. California’s release is still several years off.
Derived from the ID. Buzz, the ID. California is set to offer a glimpse into the future of Volkswagen campervans. In the meantime, ID. Buzz customers might soon enjoy new accessories, including a Night Package. This package, similar to the Good Night package for the VW Multivan (T7), could feature a folding bed, blackout curtains for the panoramic glass roof and windows, a foldable camping table, and two folding chairs.
Looking ahead, Volkswagen is considering an ‘AD’ robotaxi variant of the ID. Buzz, equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, for MOIA, the Volkswagen Group’s zero-emission ridesharing company. This variant is expected to launch in Austin, USA, and Hamburg, Germany, by 2026.
Moreover, Prof Dr Intra revealed plans for a successor to the ID. Buzz, hinting at a potential shift away from the ‘ID.’ prefix for future EV models once electric vehicles become more mainstream. The next-gen ID. Buzz and its successor will be based on VWCV’s new ‘Space’ commercial vehicle platform, offering enhanced passenger and cargo space. A purpose-built vehicle underpinned by the same platform is also in the works, expected to offer even more space than the ID. Buzz AD, and is slated for launch around the end of the decade.
