Volkswagen plugs in California Cruise camper

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles has revealed its first battery-electric California camper, using the ID. Buzz as the basis for a new model that will reach European customers early next year.

Unveiled at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, the ID. California Cruise is based on the ID. Buzz Pro and will be offered in both short- and long-wheelbase forms.

Rather than attempting to replicate the more elaborate fit-out of Volkswagen’s conventional California models, the Cruise takes a relatively simple approach to turning the electric people mover into a camper.

The key addition is a folding sleeping platform accommodating two people, with a 2030mm long and 1200mm wide bed topped by a 90mm thick folding mattress.

Blackout blinds are provided for the windows, along with ventilation grilles for the front side windows, while two camping chairs and a table are stored inside the vehicle when not required.

Models fitted with the optional panoramic glass roof also receive a dedicated blackout blind.

Visually, there is little to distinguish the Cruise from the regular ID. Buzz. Changes include California lettering across the rear, Cruise decals along the flanks and model-specific ‘Miwo’ seat trim incorporating California branding.

More significant changes have been made to the vehicle’s electrical systems.

A dedicated California camping mode allows occupants to control selected lighting and comfort functions while keeping the USB outlets powered overnight.

The climate-control system can also continue heating or cooling the cabin while the vehicle is parked, with Volkswagen claiming operation for up to 48 hours depending on battery charge and the difference between ambient and selected cabin temperatures.

The ID. California Cruise also gains vehicle-to-load capability, allowing its traction battery to supply external electrical equipment.

Continuous output is rated at up to 2.0kW, rising to a 3.6kW peak, providing enough capacity to run equipment including kettles, coffee machines, portable cooktops, refrigerators and lighting, or recharge e-bikes and other devices.

Volkswagen is also modifying its California smartphone app for the electric camper range.

Journey planning will incorporate charging stations along a selected route, while compatible public chargers will support Plug & Charge, removing the need for separate authentication once the charging cable is connected.

The Cruise receives Volkswagen’s Interior Style and Comfort packages as standard, along with the PowerSocket discharge adaptor required for the vehicle-to-load system.

Despite carrying the California name, the new model is considerably less elaborate than Volkswagen’s established camper offerings, with no pop-top roof or integrated kitchen included in the specification announced at Düsseldorf.

Instead, it effectively packages the ID. Buzz as a two-person electric touring and camping vehicle, while retaining its ability to operate as an everyday passenger van.

German pricing will start from €60,761 ($A106,000), with the first customer deliveries scheduled for early 2027.

The ID. California Cruise will not remain Volkswagen’s only electric camper for long.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says it is the first member of a broader battery-electric California family, with additional models planned progressively through to 2028.

The move extends a California lineage that dates to 1988 and marks the first time Volkswagen has applied the name to a fully electric production model.

Volkswagen has not announced Australian availability for the ID. California Cruise.