Although all-electric camper vans might've sounded ridiculous a couple of decades ago, global electrification has reached a point where they have become real possibilities. One such example is this custom Volkswagen ID. Buzz camper van brought to live by Dvan.
Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind when considering an all-electric camper van is range. Dvan's all-electric campers are built using the ID. Buzz Cargo Commerce Plus and Life trims as base vehicles. The one we're looking at today is the one based on the Cargo Commerce Plus trim, and it's available for purchase for around £80,000 ($98,318).
Most camper vans integrate diesel and propane tanks, but you won't find them on this rig. It runs solely on electric juice from a 77 kWhbattery. The company claims a WLTP range of 208 miles (335 km), with a charge time from 5% to 80% battery taking only 30 minutes.
Dvan claims its creation is the "future of transportation and adventure" - let's see how comfortable and enjoyable it truly is. Will from Will's Whereabouts got his hands on the van and camped in it overnight. Apparently, he's the first person to test out the new ID. Buzz camper van.
Photo: Buzz Camper Van
From the outside, this rig looks like your ordinary ID. Buzz. But once you head inside, you'll discover a well-equipped interior and a layout devised specifically for living and traveling in this vehicle.
It can sleep up to four people due to its unique pop-top roof. It's the perfect throwback to the vehicle from which the ID. Buzz was inspired by the 1950s Volkswagen T1. There's no electric system that pops the roof open, so you'll have to do that with your own muscles.
This mechanism makes a significant difference, creating more space once it's open. You can even stand up while inside if you're not very tall. There are two beds in the pop-top, and they're big enough to fit two adults. Like in most pop-top roofs, you'll find zipped "windows" complete with a mosquito net, letting plenty of light shine inside.
Despite the small size of the ID. Buzz, this camper van's creators still managed to fit essential equipment. A galley features a tiny sink, an induction hob, and a 12 V compressor fridge. Moreover, the van is fitted with 8 gallons (30 liters) of water storage.
Photo: Buzz Camper Van
Regarding storage, you'll discover a compartment with a rolling shutter on the right side of the galley. There are also two storage spaces integrated into the floor.
Two cabinets are integrated into the galley, one of which houses the generator that runs off the 12 V and the 230 V power systems. Moreover, a 165 W solar panel on the roof helps juice up the batteries.
As you've already seen, there's hardly any space to use as a countertop or table. You'll have to pop the trunk, get the table from there, and attach it to a designated slot in the galley.
In most camper vans, you get a single sliding door. With the ID. Buzz, you get two of them, and the makers of this vehicle took this opportunity to install a neat mechanism. So, if you open the door behind the galley, you can pull two handles to completely lower the part of the galley with the sink and the induction hob.
Photo: Buzz Camper Van
You're probably expecting a tight sleeping space inside this vehicle. In fact, it's probably larger than you expect. To prepare the bed, you'll have to use your brute force again and push on the seat until it's flat. The bed's size is somewhere between single and double. So, if you're traveling with a companion, it might be a tight squeeze. However, the bed is long enough to accommodate even taller people.
The driver's cabin features a minimalistic, futuristic, yet practical design. You'll notice a small monitor as a center console and some USB C plugs.
You don't need your camper to be fast, but if there was a leaderboard with the fastest ones, this ID. Buzz would surely be at the top, with a 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) acceleration taking just five seconds.
Needless to say, it's extremely challenging, if not impossible, to live in this ID. Buzz camper van full-time. There's no chance of going off-road or off-grid either, as you'll always have to plan your trip to have a charging point nearby. Furthermore, you don't have a bathroom, so you won't be able to take care of your hygienic needs properly.
That being said, it's a cool concept and can serve as a good option for a weekend getaway, although it's quite pricey. You can discover more information about it on the manufacturer's website. I'm sure we'll see an increasing number of electric campers on the market, but for now, they're simply no match for their traditional ICE counterparts.
Starting out with a motorcycle permit just because he could get one two years earlier than a driver's license, Mircea keeps his passion for bikes (motor or no motor) alive to this day. His lifelong dream is to build his own custom camper van. Full profile
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