Cheaper than the diesel: first electric VW California campervan comes with 2kW outlets and folding mattress

Volkswagen has finally transformed its famed California campervan nameplate into a battery-powered vehicle. Unveiled at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, the electric ID. California Cruise is built on the ID. Buzz Pro platform and comes in short- or long-wheelbase versions, marking the first time this iconic hippie lineup has ditched combustion engines entirely for over 300 miles of range on a battery charge.

Visually, only the badging on the liftgate and the "California Cruise" side decals are giving away that this is VW's first electric campervan, not a regular Buzz. Once it is parked for the night, though, owners can pop in the front window vents or blackout curtains, then unfurl the rear platform's folding mattress that is 3.5 inches thick and measures 80 x 47.2 inches, making it suitable for two sleepers, if not the roomiest in the campervan category.

VW ID. California Cruise campervan range and features

Volkswagen has introduced several clever features to make the electric California stand out, such as a battery that can keep powering the interior lights, USB ports, and climate control for up to 48 hours, depending on its state of charge and the ambient temperature.

The electric camper vehicle comes equipped with the ID. Buzz's two battery pack configurations of 79 kWh or 86 kWh, respectively, which return a range of 250 to 310 miles on the WLTP cycle that is 10-15% more generous than the EPA resting routine used in the US.

The obligatory for the camping segment vehicle-to-load (V2L) function is present, too, and can push out 2,000 watts through various outlets so that the VW van doubles as a mobile power station capable of running a coffee maker, a cooler, or even an induction cooktop. The system switched off the camping mode when the battery hits a 20% charge so that the occupants could still get to a charging station if they'd forgotten to monitor their electricity consumption.

That alone is a nice break from the familiar gas-guzzling generator noise at the campsite, but VW also offers a stowaway table and chairs for added camping comfort. The recognizable "Miwo"-pattern seat covers round up a distinct California camper van package.

ID. California Cruise price and release date

The all-electric California van is priced fairly reasonably at €60,761 (about $70,813) and can be ordered in early 2027. That is pretty good pricing considering that the popular diesel version costs 10% more with more limited functionality. American buyers won't get this exact variant but rather the ID. Buzz Tourer 4Motion, which adds similar camp-friendly features.

A pity, since the California name carries a lot of history with it ever since the original air-cooled Type 2 Westfalia conversions of the 1950s and '60s. Volkswagen's campers have become cultural icons that are synonymous with road trips, surf culture, and van life long before it was cool with TikTok influencers. Restored California campers from the 80s are still in demand and command a hefty premium, too.

The T3, T4, T5, and T6 generations carried that legacy in the following decades, each spawning devoted California editions that have been cherished by campers worldwide and have sparked numerous conversions. Going electric with the ID. Buzz platform is rather fitting, and maybe VW should've done it long ago. The troubled automaker is now teasing more California EVs arriving by 2028, so with the Cruise campervan it may be just starting to catch up.