As a plug-in hybrid built on the Multivan platform, the California nameplate is apparently going to continue to exist.
Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. Buzz minibus has been a triumph for the European automaker, helping VW surpass Tesla in the EV sales race in Germany in the first seven months of the year.
As demonstrated by conversion experts like Alpin Camper, which unveiled a prototype mobile home in January, the zero-emissions people hauler—which draws design cues from the iconic VW Type 2 van—is also a strong contender for a camper.
As a result, it seems logical that Volkswagen is considering adding the California label to the ID. Buzz model, but it appears that the electric version of the upscale pop-up camper has been delayed due to weight issues, according to a recent story from Edison Media that quotes company officials.
Currently, the VW California is based on the ICE-powered Multivan and, depending on the configuration, has an unladen weight that ranges from 5,070 pounds (2,300 kilogrammes) to 5,732 pounds (2,600 kilogrammes). This indicates that it falls under the European B driving licence category, which caps the maximum weight of a vehicle to 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) when four passengers and some luggage are present.
As a result, the next California Concept camper, which will be put on display at the Caravan Salon event in Dusseldorf, Germany at the end of this month, will be based on a plug-in hybrid long-wheelbase Multivan, with the series production version set to roll off the assembly line next year.
In June, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz made its debut in the US as a long-wheelbase vehicle with two battery options: an 82-kWh battery pack and a 91-kWh battery pack. The third quarter of 2024 will see the start of deliveries for the all-electric microbus.