Volkswagen unveils ID. California Cruise electric camper — SkimNews
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- Volkswagen debuted the ID. California Cruise at Caravan Salon 2026 as its first all-electric California camper, calling it the "first concrete response" to years of customer interest since the ID. Buzz launched in 2022; first deliveries are scheduled for early 2027.
- The camper sleeps two on a 2.03m x 1.20m bed with a newly developed 9cm folding comfort mattress, ventilation grilles, blackout blinds on all windows, and two camping chairs plus a table; VW partnered with Stuff Bubble — maker of the world's first inflatable camping kitchen — for the modular setup.
- The ID. California Cruise adds vehicle-to-load (V2L) with up to 2,000W continuous and 3.6kW peak output, and a "California mode" that runs selected lights, USB ports, and comfort functions for up to 48 hours overnight.
- California App gets new "electric-trip" functions letting drivers locate and navigate to charging stops along a route, with Plug & Charge starting sessions automatically without a physical payment method.
- Pricing starts at €60,761 (~$70,500) in Germany; the SWB uses a 79 kWh battery (up to 461 km WLTP) and the LWB an 86 kWh battery (up to 487 km WLTP), with VW noting camping gear will likely reduce real-world range.
- Volkswagen doesn't currently sell the California in the US and doesn't expect to bring the EV version stateside, though it has added a 2027 ID. Buzz Tourer trim with a fold-out bed, Overnight mode, and blackout shades for the American market.
Why it matters: Volkswagen is finally answering years of customer demand for an electric California with a production-bound camper that can power external devices at up to 2,000W continuously — but US buyers are likely shut out, since VW doesn't currently sell the California nameplate in America and isn't expected to ship the EV version stateside.
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