The ID. California Cruise is Volkswagen’s first fully electric California camper. Based on the ID. Buzz, the camper van comes with a bed, window blinds, and other camping gear.
Volkswagen reveals the ID. California Cruise EV camper
It’s real! Volkswagen is finally giving the people what they want — a fully electric, zero-emission camper van.
The ID. California Cruise debuted at Caravan Salon 2026 as Volkswagen’s first all-electric California. It will be the first of a new family of California EVs that VW plans to introduce over the next few years.
Since the ID. Buzz went on sale in 2022, drivers, media, and camping enthusiasts have “repeatedly expressed interest in a California version of the all-electric Bulli,” Volkswagen said.
The ID. California Cruise is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ “first concrete response,” with the first customer deliveries scheduled for early 2027.
Designed for weekend getaways, camping, and longer road trips, the ID. California Cruise comes with everything needed for an overnight (or a few) stay.
Inside, it offers enough sleeping space for two with a bed that’s 2.03 meters (6.66 ft) long and 1.20 meters (3.93 ft) wide.
The EV camper van also features a newly developed 9 cm thick folding comfort mattress, ventilation grilles on the front side windows, and blackout blinds on all windows.
As an added bonus, Volkswagen is throwing in two camping chairs and a table. The optional panoramic glass roof also includes a matching blackout blind.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles teamed up with Stuff Bubble, known for the world’s first inflatable camping kitchen, to develop equipment that turns an everyday van into a “fully-fledged camper in just a few minutes.” All components can easily be stored in the vehicle.
The interior features exclusive seat covers with integrated California woodwork, plus California lettering at the rear and special “Cruise” badges along the side.
Based on the ID. Buzz Pro, the electric California will be available with short or long wheelbases. It comes with added standard equipment, including the Interior Style Package, Comfort Package, and PowerSocket discharge adapter for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functions.
With V2L capabilities, the camper van becomes a mobile power source with a continuous output of up to 2,000 watts and a peak output of 3.6 kW. It can power a coffee pot, laptop, kitchen equipment, and other external devices, or charge an e-bike or e-scooter.
Another cool feature is the California mode. Developed specifically for camping, it enables selected lights, USB ports, and comfort functions to run overnight, or up to 48 hours, Volkswagen said.
To top it off, VW Commercial Vehicles is introducing new “electric-trip” functions to the California App. For the first time, drivers can now find and navigate to charging stops along their trip. With Plug & Charge, charging sessions start automatically without the need for a physical payment method.
Volkswagen has yet to reveal all the details, but since it’s based on the ID. Buzz Pro, we have a good idea of what to expect.
The ID. Buzz SWB uses a 79 kWh battery with a WLTP range of up to 461 km (286 miles). The LWB version, on the other hand, uses an 86 kWh battery that delivers up to 487 km (302 miles) of range. Keep in mind, the camping equipment will likely impact range to some extent.
Prices for the ID. California Cruise start at €60,761 in Germany, or about $70,500. The first customer deliveries are set to begin in early 2027.
Electrek’s Take
Will VW bring the electric California camper van to the US? Don’t get your hopes up. Volkswagen doesn’t currently sell the California in the US, so the electric version isn’t expected to make the trip overseas either.
Volkswagen did, however, introduce a new Tourer model for the 2027 ID. Buzz lineup that essentially converts it into a camper van with a fold-out bed, Overnight mode, and blackout shades.
Which electric van would you choose for camping? Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz or the Kia PV5 (which, sadly, isn’t sold in the US)? Drop your pick in the comments below.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
