Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has presented the ID. California Cruise, its first fully electric model under the California camper brand, at Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf. Based on the rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz Pro, the electric camper will be offered with short- and long-wheelbase configurations, with prices starting at €60,761 for the short-wheelbase version.
First deliveries are planned for early 2027, with additional electric California models expected to follow by 2028.
Electric Camper Based on ID. Buzz
The ID. California Cruise uses the ID. Buzz Pro’s 210 kW rear-wheel-drive powertrain.
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The short-wheelbase version is equipped with a 79 kWh battery mounted in the vehicle underbody, while the long-wheelbase model uses an 86 kWh battery.
Volkswagen has not yet disclosed the WLTP range of the camper versions. The corresponding ID. Buzz Pro offers 460 km or 498 km of WLTP range, depending on battery capacity.
The ID. California Cruise also features a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function capable of supplying external devices with 2 kW of continuous power and up to 3.6 kW at peak.
Camping Equipment Comes Standard
The short-wheelbase ID. California Cruise starts at €60,761. Volkswagen has not yet announced pricing for the long-wheelbase version.
The camper comes as standard with the Interior Style Package, Comfort Package and PowerSocket discharge adapter for the vehicle-to-load function. These features are available as optional equipment on the standard ID. Buzz.
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Camping equipment includes sleeping space for two people with a 2.03-metre-long and 1.20-metre-wide sleeping surface.
The folding mattress is 9 centimetres thick. The vehicle also includes ventilation grilles for the front side windows, blackout elements for the windows, two camping chairs and a camping table.
A panoramic glass roof with matching blackout functionality is available as an option.
California Mode Adds Camping Functions
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has developed a dedicated California Mode for the electric camper.
The system allows occupants to adjust lighting and comfort functions while camping and maintains power to the vehicle’s USB ports.
The climate control system can heat or cool the cabin to maintain a suitable sleeping environment. According to Volkswagen, this function can operate continuously for up to 48 hours, depending on battery charge and the difference between the interior and exterior temperatures.
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The ID. California Cruise also receives distinctive exterior and interior elements, including exclusive seat covers, California lettering at the rear and Cruise decals on the sides.
New Generation of Electric California Models
The ID. California Cruise represents the first California camper based on Volkswagen’s electric vehicle platform.
The California name dates back to 1988, when Volkswagen introduced a motorhome based on the VW Bus. The model subsequently developed into a dedicated lifestyle and recreational vehicle brand.
The new electric model is intended to bring the California concept into Volkswagen’s battery-electric vehicle lineup.
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plans to expand the electric California family with additional models by 2028.
Weight and Payload Remain Undisclosed
Volkswagen has not provided details on the curb weight or payload of the new camper versions.
Weight has been an important consideration in developing an electric camper based on the ID. Buzz because the additional camping equipment can increase vehicle mass and potentially affect available payload.
The company has not disclosed how the final versions balance vehicle weight and payload, leaving those specifications to be confirmed closer to the vehicle’s market launch.
