This story contains illustrations by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by VW.
The VW ID. Buzz proved to be a sales hit for the German automaker, but we have yet to see its coolest version – the California campervan. The latter was officially confirmed last year by VW’s supervisory board, and is expected to debut after 2025. For our impatient readers, our associates created a rendering of the model and we gathered all the information we could find.
Instead of calling it ID. Buzz California, VW will use the simpler ID. California nameplate for the first fully electric member of its famous campervan range. Besides the most popular T6.1 van, other models that have already received the California badge include the smaller Caddy and the larger Crafter (Grand California). Notably, the T6 Multivan has not yet received such treatment.
Read: VW Multivan Edition Visits The Dark Side, Gains “Good Night” Package With Fold-Out Bed
The design of the ID. California will mirror the ID. Buzz with additional features. The highlight will be the signature pop-up hydraulic roof, expanding the cabin space when the vehicle is parked. This will not only allow passengers to stand up while using the interior amenities but also accommodate an extra double bed. The roof will likely feature an electric pop-up mechanism making life easier for campers.
Other features that are typical of a California van are a retractable side awning, which combined with two folding chairs and a table will create a nice outdoor space right next to the vehicle. More importantly, the interior will be fitted with a kitchenette including a gas stove and a sink, water tanks, and storage compartments for cutlery, kitchenware, clothes, and other personal items. The modular seats will likely be able to slide, fold, and rotate creating a living-room environment inside the van.
The rest of the interior will be carried over from the high-spec trims of the ID. Buzz. This means that the dashboard will get a 10-inch digital instrument cluster combined with a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. Expect vegan upholstery and extensive use of recycled materials, on par with the current trend, alongside electrically-adjustable seats and plenty of USB charging ports all around the cabin.
The VW ID. California will most likely be based on the long-wheelbase bodystyle variant of the ID. Buzz, which is currently under development for North America. This will allow more interior space and the fitment of a larger 111 kWh battery pack under the floor, resulting in a longer range. After all, the ID. California will be used for longer trips than a regular passenger van, and the weight of the extra gear is also something to consider when talking about electric range. In terms of power output, the current EU-spec ID. Buzz comes fitted with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. This would be sufficient for the camper, although more powertrain options will be added to the range in the near future.
According to the official statement by Volkswagen, the ID. California is expected in the second half of the decade, although we wouldn’t be surprised if a concept version of the vehicle would appear earlier than that, closely previewing the final product. After all, the US-spec long-wheelbase VW ID. Buzz will debut in early 2024, so why not upgrade it with extra gear and California badges?
For those who can’t wait that long, the ID. Buzz has already received a camper conversion kit from Ququq, called “BusBox-4”. This one is a light camper compared to the upcoming ID. California, but it still has everything you need to sleep, carry your stuff and prepare a meal in the wilderness for a more affordable price.
Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops