Looks like that California Dreamin' is going to remain a dream for the foreseeable future.
And we're not talking about the 1965 hit song by the Mamas and the Papas. We're talking vehicles, baby — specifically the electric camper version of Volkswagen's (VWAGY) -) ID. Buzz.
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The ID. Buzz is the German automakers' battery electric minivan, a modern take on the VW microbus that harks back to the hippie days when people grew their hair down to their shoulders and listened to groups like the Mamas and the Papas.
Heavy Metal
Volkswagen is planning to unveil its electric 2025 VW ID. Buzz, which will feature three rows and seven seats. The vehicle will be about 195 inches long, 78 inches wide and 75 inches tall.
With all this buzz about the Buzz, it's not surprising that people will be interested ID. California, an electric camper version of the vehicle.
Volkswagen has been selling the California since 2003, introducing the Grand California in 2019 and Caddy California in 2021.
The company mentioned the ID. California back in December 2021, when the company announced that its Hanover, Pa. facility would be going all-electric.
Last year VW's supervisory board confirmed the California camper van with a planned 2025 debut.
But then things got heavy. And this isn't the hippie version of heavy, this is heavy as in weight.
It seems that despite the high demand for an electric camper version of the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen said the California would weigh too much.
The California Concept to be unveiled
VW commercial vehicles said that an all-electric version of the current VW California would weigh at least three tons, Electrek reported, citing the German website, Edison Media, making it too heavy for drivers with a European category B driving license
Therefore, the upcoming VW California 6.1 will not be based on the ID. Buzz and won’t even retain the name. Instead, it will be called the Multivan, Electrek said.
Volkswagen is scheduled to unveil its “California Concept” at the Dusseldorf Caravan Salon, taking place from Aug. 25 to Sept. 3. The concept will be based on VW’s Multivan with a long wheelbase and hybrid drivetrain.
The production version is planned to begin rolling out next summer at VW Commercial Vehicles in Hanover.
Volkswagen is not ruling out the possibility of an ID. Buzz California, but bringing it to market within this decade will be tough. The camper version would require new battery technology with increased energy density and range with lower costs
Volkswagen did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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