Volkswagen confirms the ID. California electric van
As part of its new round of planning, Volkswagen has also confirmed an all-electric leisure vehicle that will be produced by the commercial vehicle division in Hanover in the future: The ID. California will be an electric camper based on the VW ID. Buzz.
The ID. Buzz is to be produced in Hanover from next year – in a cargo and passenger version. On its basis, an electric camper is to follow as the ID. California – but only three years after the start of production of the ID. Buzz, i.e. from 2025.
The name ID. California is of course based on the well-known California campervans, the current model is still based on the T6 and will continue to be built on this basis. The T7 introduced this year switches to the MQB platform and should thus better meet the demands and requirements of private customers – for example in terms of driving comfort, but also the plug-in hybrid now offered. Since the utility value is somewhat reduced, the Transporter and the California will continue to be built on a T6 basis.
Regarding the ID. Buzz, no final data regarding load space and payload are known yet. However, with the now decided production, VW Commercial Vehicles seems to be sure to be able to derive a camping and motorhome on the basis of the MEB van. Details about the ID. California have not yet been disclosed by VW Commercial Vehicles. Only this much was announced: “The ID.California based on the ID. Buzz will combine the ongoing trend towards mobile leisure activities with sustainable, CO2-neutral mobility. Made by VWN!”, says VWN brand manager Carsten Intra.
The ID. California is likely to get a small integrated kitchen and built-in cupboards in the usual style of the combustion models. The bench seat in the back can be converted into a bed for two people. However, the ID. Buzz offers a little less space than a T6, which means “the ID. California should be a little more snug”. At least there should be some room for improvement: A pop-up roof with more sleeping options is considered a set feature.
Preparations for MEB production at the commercial vehicle plant were completed in summer 2021. Production of the ID. Buzz derivatives will not remain the only EV production in Hanover, however: The planning round has also confirmed that the Artemis Audi will be built in Hannover and at least the bodywork for the corresponding Bentley. In addition, MEB axles will be assembled in Hanover in the future.
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