Volkswagen updates Grand California and previews electric ID Buzz concept

Volkswagen is expanding its campervan offerings with new technology for the Grand California and exploring electric alternatives. The Grand California, based on the Crafter, now features new equipment packages focused on energy self-sufficiency. Customers can opt for LiFePO lithium batteries and integrated solar systems, providing up to 174 Wp of solar power. This setup increases usable capacity by nearly 40% compared to standard AGM batteries and offers a longer cycle life.

Simultaneously, the company is testing the waters for electric campervans with the ID California Cruise concept, an adapted version of the ID Buzz. This move comes amid industrial uncertainty in Germany, including potential factory closures and job cuts that could impact current production lines like the Hannover plant, which currently assembles both the thermal California and the electric ID Buzz.