The rise of electric vehicles has certainly received a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a more sustainable way to travel while reducing carbon emissions. For many, the idea of owning an electric car is something they may consider in the future, but they are still hesitant to make the leap. However, when Volkswagen announced their production model of the all-electric ID Buzz, it caught the attention of many, including myself.
As someone who has spent time living in a VW Transporter T5 and rented a vintage Type 2 VW Microbus for a summer road trip, I was excited by the prospect of an electric version. The ID Buzz was initially introduced as a far-out concept, but it has started hitting roads in Europe and has already started to make a name for itself.
However, I was disappointed to learn that the ID Buzz would only be available in passenger and cargo variants, with no “California” campervan. That is, until I discovered the Ququq BusBox-4 camping box. This aftermarket product can convert either the passenger or cargo version of the ID Buzz into a two-person camper in just minutes. As a frequent camper, this piqued my interest even more.
To see if the ID Buzz was a viable option as an electric campervan and for remote work, my wife, dog, and I packed up and embarked on a nearly 2,000-mile round trip trek across Europe. We slept, worked, and ate exclusively from the ID Buzz for a period of two weeks.
The experience was eye-opening for me as a first-time EV driver and aspiring digital nomad. The ID Buzz was a versatile vehicle that served a variety of purposes, from a family van to a comfortable camper. While the infotainment system was convoluted, the optional DC-to-AC inverter for European standard power sockets was a selling point for me.
The ID Buzz is built on VW’s MEB platform, the same platform used for their first electric car, the ID.3. It’s designed to be a do-it-all campervan that can adapt to different needs, making it the ideal choice for a digital nomad who needs a reliable vehicle for work and leisure. And, of course, it’s a nod to the iconic and successful predecessors of the original Type 2 Microbus.
One concern I had about the ID Buzz was its battery capacity. At just 82kWh, it’s not a lot for its size, especially when compared to smaller VW electric models. Additionally, charging from ultra-fast charging stations can be expensive and can increase the cost of a road trip.
During my trip with the ID Buzz, temperatures ranged from -3C to 17C, forcing me to rely on the van’s heating system. This lowered my overall range, making me feel anxious about its ability to make it to the next charging station. However, this is a typical experience for many EV drivers and is something that can be adjusted to with proper planning.
Overall, the ID Buzz was a joy to drive, and people were charmed by its design. The Ququq BusBox-4 offered a quick and easy camping conversion, making it a viable option for those who enjoy camping trips. The ID Buzz has presented a glimpse of what the future of EVs could bring, and I am excited to see how this technology will continue to evolve in the years to come.
