The ID. Buzz is a hotly anticipated electric van from Volkswagen that harkens back to the Type 2 microbus. But one of the most fondly remembered versions of that vehicle, a camper van, may not be possible right now, according to a report from Germany.
The difficulty is reportedly attributed to a relatively simple aspect of the design: the weight. According to a report from Edison in Germany that was discovered by TheDrive, the development of a long-wheelbase ID. Buzz camper van has encountered delays. The current camper conversion technology indicates that the model’s weight could approach or exceed the limit permitted for drivers with a typical European license. This situation might necessitate owners to obtain an entirely new license to operate it.
However, the automaker denies that any such issues, if they actually exist, have required engineers to delay development. Volkswagen USA representative Mark Gillies told Carscoops that the “stories that the project is appreciably delayed … are incorrect.”
Read: VW ID. Buzz Accessories Concept Has Everything Including A Kitchen Sink
The rumors trade on the reputation that electric vehicles have gotten for being heavy. With big battery packs required to ease buyers’ range anxiety, the extra weight of electric powertrains has impacted crash testing, vehicle hauling, and more.
With the batteries, in addition to a roof tent, a bed, a sink, and all of the other additions required to turn a van into a camper, the model would certainly be a heavy one, whether it challenges European licensing rules or not.
Such is the weight of electric vehicles that Europe is already looking into raising the weight limit for licenses, per ADAC. Currently, the Category B license entitles drivers to drive a vehicle with a maximum weight of 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg), but that could be raised to 9,370 lbs (4,250 kg), which would solve VW’s camper van issue, if one exists.
