Like many, the allure of electric vehicles has always piqued my interest, yet the full commitment felt just beyond the horizon. Teslas, Ford and Rivian pickups – I knew the names, but that was the extent of it. Then Volkswagen unveiled the production model of the all-electric ID Buzz, launching in Europe in late 2022. Suddenly, electric cars weren’t just interesting; they were captivating.
My history with VW vans runs deep. I once spent a week living in a VW Transporter T5 “Ventje” and even rented a vintage Type 2 VW Microbus, affectionately named “Fergus,” for a summer adventure, wild camping across Scotland with my family. While I typically resist blatant nostalgia-driven marketing, the ID Buzz, since its concept debut as a futuristic electric microbus, had me completely sold. That was until the news hit: the initial ID Buzz models would be passenger and cargo versions only. The coveted “California” campervan? Delayed until 2025, or even later. Disappointing, to say the least.
Then, a few months ago, I stumbled upon the aftermarket Ququq BusBox-4 camping box. This ingenious invention transforms both the ID Buzz passenger and cargo vans into a comfortable two-person camper – and effortlessly back to a standard van – in mere minutes. Available immediately and priced at €2,790 (approximately $3,000), it’s a fraction of the expected premium for the official VW ID California.
Intrigued, I decided to put the Volkswagen Buzz Van, equipped with the Ququq, to a real-world test. My mission: to determine if the current ID Buzz could effectively serve as an electric campervan and whether it could support extended remote work on the road.
With these questions in mind, my wife, our dog, and I embarked on a nearly 2,000-mile journey across Europe, from Amsterdam to Milan. This wasn’t just a scenic drive; it was a mobile office and home for two weeks. We slept, worked, and ate (mostly) within the confines of the Volkswagen Buzz Van, fully immersing ourselves in the e-vanlife experience.
This trip became a revelation, especially for an EV newbie and aspiring digital nomad like myself. The age of electric vanlife is clearly upon us, and our time with the Volkswagen Buzz Van offered a compelling glimpse into this exciting future.
Volkswagen Buzz Van: More Than Just a Retro Look
Let’s be clear: this isn’t intended to be a comprehensive review of the Volkswagen Buzz Van as an electric vehicle. Numerous automotive experts have already provided in-depth evaluations. Instead, this is an exploration of the ID Buzz’s potential as a versatile, do-it-all campervan, a vehicle that adapts to diverse needs. And for this purpose, the standout feature is the optional (€331) DC-to-AC inverter, discreetly placing a European standard 230V power socket under the front passenger seat – a detail we’ll revisit later.
The Volkswagen Buzz Van isn’t merely a nostalgic nod; it’s a continuation of Volkswagen’s innovative heritage. Built on the same MEB platform as the ID.3, Volkswagen’s pioneering electric car, it mirrors the lineage of the original Type 2 Microbus, which evolved from the Type 1 Beetle. This connection reassures me that the Buzz is more than just a sentimental marketing ploy; it’s a vehicle rooted in genuine evolution.
My test vehicle was a fully loaded Volkswagen Buzz Van 1st Max Edition passenger model, equipped with every available option. Its price tag approached €80,000 (around $88,000), including approximately €14,000 in Dutch taxes. While seemingly expensive, it remains more accessible than a base Tesla Model X SUV in the Netherlands at the time of writing, which started at €113,990.
One thing became immediately apparent with the Volkswagen Buzz Van: everyone loved it. Its charm was undeniable. Strangers approached at charging stations, fellow drivers gave thumbs-up, and smiles were constant. This echoes the joyful reactions we experienced driving the vintage Type 2 in Scotland. The Volkswagen Buzz Van, with its cheerful front end, even seems to be smiling itself.
Driving the Volkswagen Buzz Van is surprisingly enjoyable. Its low center of gravity, optional 21-inch wheels, and rear-wheel drive create a fun and agile experience. Despite its size, it feels compact, thanks to excellent visibility through the expansive windshield and an array of sensors and cameras. Navigating narrow European streets was also surprisingly easy due to its tight turning radius.
However, like other reviewers, I found the infotainment system to be somewhat lacking. It’s underpowered and the interface can be confusing, with inconsistent controls requiring push, pull, or touch inputs. Even the hazard light button is inexplicably touch-sensitive, leading to accidental activations.
Range Reality: Not Exactly Free
While not a car expert, I appreciate a large mobile battery, especially one capable of powering all my devices. The Volkswagen Buzz Van, in this regard, initially seemed promising. However, despite its size, the battery capacity tops out at 82kWh, with only 77kWh usable. This isn’t substantial for a vehicle of this size, especially considering it’s the same battery capacity as the smaller VW ID.4 and ID.5 models.
Ultra-Fast Charging: A Costly Surprise
As an EV novice, I quickly learned that the often-touted cost savings of electric car “refueling” primarily apply to slow, overnight home charging during off-peak hours. The economics shift dramatically when relying on ultra-fast chargers along highways.
During my two weeks and nearly 2,000 miles with the Volkswagen Buzz Van, almost all my charging occurred at ultra-fast stations, predominantly Ionity, which charges €0.79 per kWh across Europe. Traveling 3,000km with an average consumption of 23.9kWh per 100km resulted in approximately €566 spent on 717kWh of energy.
Comparing this to a current VW T7 Multivan with a 1.5 TSI gasoline engine (8.1 liters/100km), the same distance would have cost around €442 based on Italian gasoline prices (€1.82/liter). A more efficient 2.0 TDI diesel engine (6.6 liters/100km) would have lowered fuel costs to €360.
A study by the RAC in the UK highlighted the increasing cost of rapid charging, showing a 47% price increase for ultra-rapid chargers since May 2022. This underscores that while home charging can be economical, relying solely on fast charging significantly impacts the running costs of electric vehicles like the Volkswagen Buzz Van.
My initial range concerns were amplified by the planned driving conditions. EVs perform optimally in warmer temperatures and at city speeds, benefiting from regenerative braking. My route, however, involved potentially cold alpine highways, requiring sustained high speeds across the European charging network. Additionally, I planned to utilize the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s battery for work and living, needing to keep the van heated and devices powered. Range anxiety quickly became a tangible feeling, even before leaving home!
Temperatures during the trip ranged from -3C to 17C (27F to 63F), mostly averaging between 3C and 12C (37F to 53F). The constant need for heating, exacerbated by the Volkswagen Buzz Van lacking a heat pump (common in more efficient EVs), further reduced range. And yes, I did confirm the Buzz’s top speed of 150km/h (93mph) on the German autobahn.
My usage, including approximately 5kWh daily for living and working, resulted in an average consumption of 23.9kWh per 100km (60 miles), about a third of the battery capacity. This translated to a real-world range of around 322km (200 miles) per charge, significantly less than the advertised 423km (263 miles) WLTP range but consistent with EV Database’s 330km real-range data.
Despite these figures, and being an EV novice, range anxiety quickly dissipated after the first couple of days. Europe’s extensive network of fast chargers proved to be a game-changer.
Europe’s DC fast-charging network, encompassing providers like FastNed, Shell, Ionity, GoFast, and Tesla, is surprisingly comprehensive. Stations were abundant, conveniently located near amenities, and readily available. Even during the Easter weekend travel surge, I never encountered waiting times at DC charging stations. In fact, most stalls were unoccupied. And unlike reports from the US, I only witnessed a single broken charger throughout my 3,000km journey.
The Volkswagen Buzz Van supports up to 170kW DC fast charging, allowing a 5-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, thanks to a flat charging curve. My charging stops typically lasted 45 minutes to an hour, aiming for a 100% charge and providing welcome breaks. The tailgate kitchen setup also made these stops ideal for quick meals.
Ququq: The Instant Camper Conversion
Volkswagen has announced a future camper version of the ID Buzz, but a firm launch date remains elusive. This is where Ququq steps in. This German company, a Volkswagen accessory supplier, specializes in all-in-one camping boxes for various vehicles. Their BusBox-4 is specifically designed to convert the Volkswagen Buzz Van – cargo or passenger – into a functional camper with a kitchen and bed in under 10 minutes.
The Ququq BusBox-4 is an impressive feat of engineering and value. A dedicated VW ID California campervan will likely command a significant price premium, mirroring the current VW California camper series. The Ququq, at €2,790, offers a much more affordable alternative, transforming the five-seater Volkswagen Buzz Van into a weekend camper ideal for couples or small families.
Weighing 62kg (137 pounds), the Ququq BusBox-4 requires two people to lift it into the Volkswagen Buzz Van. It fits snugly behind the passenger bench and is secured using ratchet straps. While not the most elegant solution, it’s effective and allows for easy removal and reinstallation.
The 10cm-thick mattress comfortably sleeps two, measuring 125 x 195cm when unfolded over the folded passenger bench. While cozy, it proved sufficiently spacious for my wife and me. Unfolding the three-part bed requires a bit of practice, but becomes manageable after a few attempts.
The BusBox-4’s compact kitchen is surprisingly efficient. The door folds down into a table, revealing a two-burner gas stove with storage for spices, utensils, and cooking supplies. A windscreen folds up for cooking, and butane cartridges are easily secured.
A slide-out drawer houses a small 12V fridge, controllable via Bluetooth (though not necessary). Powered by a cable to the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s rear 12V socket, it can function as either a fridge or freezer. While compact at 15 liters, it met our needs. A 20-liter option is also available.
The right side of the BusBox-4 contains two 10-liter freshwater tanks with simple valve attachments, stainless steel wash basins, and two comfortable chairs that neatly stow away.
While not luxurious and slightly contrasting with the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s modern aesthetic, the Ququq BusBox-4 is a well-designed, durable, and practical solution made from treated plywood and aluminum. Volkswagen itself acknowledges the synergy, featuring the Ququq x ID Buzz pairing in official press materials.
Powering the Vanlife Dream
Hoping for a Tesla-like “Camp Mode” in the Volkswagen Buzz Van, allowing extended powered operation of jacks, lights, music, and heating, was unfortunately unmet. VW doesn’t currently offer this, and its future availability remains uncertain until the ID California arrives.
Although my fully-equipped Volkswagen Buzz Van had a 230V jack under the passenger seat, it only remained active for about 30 minutes with the ignition on, and a further 15-20 minutes after auto shut-off. This presented challenges for charging laptops and maintaining continuous Starlink internet.
However, living and working from a Volkswagen Buzz Van with a Ququq is not only feasible but requires fewer compromises than expected, provided you pack the right gear.
For power, I brought a Biolite BaseCharge 1500 battery and solar panel. Initially planning a larger Bluetti AC200Max, it tripped the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s breaker due to its 500W draw exceeding the Buzz’s 300W (450W surge) inverter. The BaseCharge 1500, drawing only 112W and being more compact, proved ideal.
Bidirectional charging, a feature displayed on the infotainment system but requiring a future update, was also unavailable. This would have offered another charging option for the solar generator or powering devices.
Instead, my strategy involved charging the Biolite BaseCharge 1500 from the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s 230V jack whenever possible and utilizing its 1,521Wh capacity and various outputs (AC, DC, USB) to power devices. I regularly restarted the ignition to maintain charging during workdays and supplemented with a 100W Biolite solar panel on the roof when away from the van.
A €120 Type 2 adapter cable for charging from public EV chargers was also acquired, but remained unused except for a test.
This power strategy was effective, keeping the Biolite battery above 80% charge and powering all office equipment. The Biolite only dropped to 30% once, before a long drive that easily replenished it using the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s 230V port.
The Biolite BaseCharge 1500 had minor quirks – a noisy fan, occasional USB overload errors, and inaccurate input power readings – but overall, it performed reliably.
Power Outlets and Connectivity on the Road
The Volkswagen Buzz Van’s USB-C ports (lacking USB-A) had inconsistent performance. The dashboard USB-C ports, despite claiming 15W charging, struggled to charge phones while running CarPlay or Android Auto.
Fortunately, the USB-C ports in the front passenger and sliding doors provided 45W USB-C PD power. This required routing a long USB-C cable from the phone mount to the passenger door.
Like the 230V AC jack, USB-C ports only powered on with the ignition and briefly after shut-off. However, the 12V cigarette lighter jack powering the Ququq fridge had continuous power from the 12V starter battery, with VW’s intelligent system managing power to prevent battery drain.
For data connectivity, I reactivated my Starlink RV subscription and utilized three phones with large data plans as backups.
Starlink proved reliable throughout the trip, averaging over 150Mbps downloads and 20Mbps uploads, enabling seamless remote work. Even with some tree coverage, performance remained strong. 5G data served as a backup, offering faster uploads when needed. The Volkswagen Buzz Van’s 4G hotspot was less reliable and slower. Public Wi-Fi at campsites was generally inferior to my mobile options.
Daily Vanlife Routine: Drive, Sleep, Work, Repeat
Smaller vehicles like the Volkswagen Buzz Van require more frequent reconfiguration. Our daily routine involved three modes: driving, sleeping, and working. The Ququq kitchen remained accessible at all times.
In driving mode, the Ququq and bedding were secured, rear seats flattened for the dog, and the Biolite battery was placed behind the passenger seat for charging.
Sleeping mode involved moving the Biolite to the driver’s seat, connecting Starlink, and unfolding the Ququq bed. The dog slept in a crate on the front passenger seat. A Biolite lantern provided interior lighting.
Work mode meant removing the dog crate, folding up the bed, and utilizing the rear passenger seat and front seat folding tables as workstations. Outdoor work was possible with the Ququq chairs and kitchen door desk.
Initially disorganized, gear organization improved with the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s numerous pockets. Reconfiguration routines became quicker after a few days.
Window privacy was a challenge. A yoga mat for the windshield and aluminum foil for other windows became a DIY solution. While initially effective, reusing foil proved cumbersome. Magnetic or suction cup window coverings would be a better long-term solution.
Air Conditioning and Heating Challenges
Without a Camp Mode, heating in near-freezing temperatures was a concern. Like power outlets, heat only functioned intermittently with the ignition. Restarting the ignition every 45 minutes was necessary for continuous heating.
However, the Volkswagen Buzz Van’s preheat feature, intended for morning commutes, was repurposed to warm the cabin during sleep. Setting it to activate at 3:30 AM and 6 AM via the WeConnect ID app provided overnight heating. A space heater was brought along but remained unused.
Off-Grid Vanlife Capabilities
Running the heater and charging the Biolite battery impacted driving range. Over two days at a cold campsite, battery capacity dropped from 92% to 79% while maintaining heating and powering devices.
This 13% battery depletion (approximately 10kWh) suggests about 5kWh daily consumption for living and working in the Volkswagen Buzz Van in spring conditions. Extrapolating, the Volkswagen Buzz Van could potentially support nearly two weeks of off-grid living with sufficient resources and access to charging stations.
Water and cooking gas consumption proved minimal.
The Ququq BusBox-4 transforms the Volkswagen Buzz Van into a versatile camper, offering cost savings compared to the future ID California. Compromises exist, particularly regarding continuous power, necessitating auxiliary solutions like the Biolite BaseCharge 1500. Bidirectional charging and a Camp Mode would significantly enhance the e-vanlife experience.
Despite these limitations, living and working in the Volkswagen Buzz Van across Europe revealed the exciting potential of electric vanlife. Mercedes Benz’s upcoming VAN.EA electric platform and Winnebago’s electric eRV further signify this trend.
For US enthusiasts, a long-wheelbase Volkswagen Buzz Van, promising more space and a larger battery, is arriving in 2024. This LWB model is slated to underpin the future ID California campervan.
However, in Europe, e-vanlife with a “Voltswagen Microbuzz” is already a vibrant reality.
All photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge
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