Volkswagen ID. Buzz Electric Camper Van
Volkswagen has revealed the electric ID. California Cruise camper van for Europe. The US version, the ID. Buzz Tourer, is planned for 2027.
Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. California Cruise, the first electric model in its California camper van series. The vehicle is based on the ID. Buzz Pro model and is scheduled for deliveries in 2027.
The ID. California Cruise is a simple camper conversion for the retro-styled electric van. It is available in both short and long wheelbase versions. The standout feature is a 2-meter-long bed platform and folding mattress that sits above the rear seats.
Camper Features and Capabilities
The van comes equipped with several features aimed at campers. These include ventilation inserts for the front windows and blackout blinds for all windows, including an optional glass roof. Special "California" and "Cruise" badging distinguishes the model.
A key feature is the "California mode," which allows users to run the climate control system, charge devices, or use interior lights while the vehicle is stationary for camping. The van also includes a vehicle-to-load function with a peak output of 3.6 kW. This lets owners plug in appliances like a coffee pot using an included "PowerSocket" adapter for the charge port.
A camping table and chairs are also part of the package.
However, the offering is basic compared to VW's other California vans. The ID. California Cruise lacks a pop-top roof, kitchen, dedicated interior control panels, swiveling front seats, built-in dining sets, or fold-out exterior work stations. It is, in essence, an ID. Buzz van with specific camping accessories.
US Market Version and Specifications
A similar concept is planned for the United States market. The ID. Buzz is skipping the 2026 model year but will return for 2027 with updates, including a new Tourer trim. Volkswagen states this Tourer model will be "awfully similar" to the European California Cruise.
The US-spec ID. Buzz Tourer will include a fold-out mattress with a platform, window blinds, front window ventilation panels, an exterior table and chairs, and an Overnight Mode software package. This software adapts interior and exterior functionality to facilitate overnight stays.
The Tourer will also have extras like an electrochromic roof and captain's chairs. Like its European counterpart, it will not include a kitchen or hardcore camping features.
Pricing for both the European ID. California Cruise and the US ID. Buzz Tourer is still to be determined. The following table compares the key features of the two announced variants based on the source report:
| Feature | ID. California Cruise (Europe) | ID. Buzz Tourer (US) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Vehicle | ID. Buzz Pro | ID. Buzz (2027 model) |
| Availability | 2027 deliveries | 2027 model year |
| Wheelbase Options | Short & Long | Not specified |
| Core Camping Kit | 2m bed, mattress, blinds, table, chairs, ventilation inserts | Fold-out mattress/platform, blinds, table, chairs, ventilation panels |
| Special Software | California Mode | Overnight Mode |
| Additional Features | Vehicle-to-load (3.6 kW), PowerSocket adapter | Electrochromic roof, captain's chairs |
| Missing Elements | No kitchen, no pop-top | No kitchen, no hardcore features |
The report from InsideEVs notes that the standard ID. Buzz van has previously been critiqued for not leaning into a spirit of adventure and for being pricey relative to its 234 miles of range. The new camper versions aim to address some of those perceptions. The vehicle-to-load capability, with 3.2 kilowatts of peak power, allows the ID. Buzz to power appliances like a coffee machine.
Source: InsideEVs