German legacy automaker’s business unit Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, previewed a few images for its planned plug-in hybrid California concept camper. The company aims to officially introduce the new concept on August 25 at the upcoming Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany. Meanwhile, VWCV sets the production model’s debut as early as next year.
California concept camper details
Based on the renderings, the California concept camper utilizes Multivan’s long version. It has a pop-up roof that increases the vehicle’s height by 6.5 feet (2 meters) when activated. Its sides also feature a stretching awning to protect campers from sun rays or rainfalls.
The second image revealed that the vehicle has a control panel to manage its various features like lights, thermostats, and cooling boxes, among others. Unfortunately, there were no additional details about the new PHEV model’s interior.
For reference, Multivan offers an eHybrid PHEV setup. Apart from its electric motor, it also has a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates a maximum output of 215 horsepower (160 kilowatts). It is also equipped with a 10.4-kilowatt-hour battery that supports an electric range of up to 30 miles between charges. However, it remains uncertain if the new California concept camper will also utilize a similar powertrain.
“We want to expand the range around the business with our camping models – and thus offer our customers that special California feeling. These include digital services for the Cali Community, completely new services to complement the purchase of a vehicle… but also the show car presentation of the new California based on the Multivan.”
VWCV CEO Carsten Intra (via Motor1)
VW to develop an ID. Buzz’s California variant
The German automaker is also reportedly planning to launch a California model of the famous ID. Buzz in 2025. VW has yet to release official information about this new project. However, experts expect it to feature common motorhome elements such as a sleeping area and a small kitchen.
Notably, the company is on track to bring the ID. Buzz in the US market next year. The US-spec model features a longer wheelbase compared to those offered in the European market.
Its passenger variant can carry up to seven people, with five- and six-seater variants arriving soon. It has two battery configurations: an 82 kWh and a 91 kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the standard powertrain generates a maximum output of 282 hp and 413 lb-ft torque.
See Also:
- Volkswagen commences first autonomous driving pilot program in the US
- Volkswagen enters electricity trading in Europe with its energy subsidiary
- Volkswagen announces plans to invest €1B in South America by 2026
- Volkswagen BEV sales hit 70,000 globally in Q1 2023
- Volkswagen plans to produce EV batteries in Indonesia, forms partnerships with major companies
The motorhome variants of the VW Transporter were first introduced using the California moniker 35 years ago at the Caravan Salon, initiating the company’s venture in this segment with more than 260,000 models already as of now.
