The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has yet to make its American debut, but the highly anticipated all-electric microbus has already received its first camper conversion in the United States thanks to Peace Vans, a team passionate about restoring and modifying classic Volkswagen buses.
Volkswagen announced the ID. Buzz a few years ago as the electrified iteration of the VW Bus, but for fans of the brand, it feels like they've been waiting forever for it to hit American shores. Especially since the new van has already been available in Europe for about two years. What's even more discouraging is that the German automaker has no plans to offer a camper version of its new Electric vehiclejustifying their decision with what they perceive as low demand.
But even if there isn’t a California-style ID. Buzz from VW itself anytime soon, it looks like third-party companies are ready to welcome the new van with open arms. The first U.S. van supplier to announce an all-electric camper based on the ID.Buzz is Peace Vans.
The Seattle-based company is the largest VW camper repair and restoration shop in the United States. As a team with extensive experience in camper conversions for older VW models, it was only natural for them to step in and welcome the ID. Buzz to the world of camping. The team revealed not one, but three distinct conversion packages for the American market, ranging from an expandable hatchback kitchen to a fully equipped mobile home for a variety of camper types.
Photo: Peace Vans
“Since the early days of Peace Vans, the most common question we've been asked has been, 'Where's the new VW version of the old VW campers?'” said Harley Sitner, owner of Peace Vans. “We've been looking forward to the ID. Buzz for a while. We were fortunate enough to try out some early pre-production units, liked what we saw, and decided to develop entirely new solutions, built exclusively for the ID. Buzz.”
The three camper conversion options are the Buzz.Box, Buzz.Sleeper and Buzz.Camper and will essentially allow Americans to experience the thrill of the open road in a new Volkswagen camper for the first time in more than 22 years.
Photo: Peace Vans
The most basic conversion package is the Buzz.Box, a modular kitchen unit that can be installed in the rear of the van, replacing the third-row seats. Peace Vans describes this option as a “custom rear chef’s kitchen,” though it hasn’t revealed the exact specifications. Initial renderings show a multi-slide outdoor kitchen made from premium lightweight materials and featuring multiple Dometic components, including a 35-liter refrigerator, single-burner stove, sink, and multiple cutting/prep surfaces. A wireless charging station, lighting, and audio solutions are also seamlessly integrated into the Box.
Given the limited camping comforts it offers, this version is best suited for day trips. The Buzz.Box starts at $7,995.
The Buzz.Box.Sleeper is the mid-level kit and adds an almost queen-size bed to the kitchen in the Box package. The fold-down bed essentially extends over the kitchen block and the second-row seats when folded. In terms of price, this version starts at $10,995.
Photo: Peace Vans
Finally, the Box.Camper is the most complete camping solution Peace Vans offers for the ID. Buzz EV and owners will need to remove both rows of rear seats to make it fit. According to the van converter, with this option, you get a fully equipped mobile home for two. It includes a super spacious L-shaped lounge area that converts to a double bed, a compact interior kitchen, and various storage solutions.
It’s definitely a different layout than what we saw in the first ID. Buzz campers offered in Europe, as it feels much more spacious and offers a nice lounging and dining setup, as well as a larger and arguably more comfortable bed. All that comfort comes at the expense of cooking space, however, as the kitchen is very minimalist with a cabinet, stove, sink, and water tank. The company has added an external fold-out countertop that extends from the driver’s side sliding door for a little more space to prepare meals.
As mentioned, it’s a two-person camper van for now, but Peace Vans is working on developing a DOT-approved rear seating solution and a pop-top roof to accommodate more campers. The pop-top roof won’t be ready until late 2025, though. This means the Buzz.Camper is still a work in progress, so pricing information for this package isn’t available yet.
Photo: Peace Vans
While the 2025 VW ID. Buzz hasn’t yet launched in the U.S. (it’s expected to hit dealerships before the end of the year), Peace Vans has already opened pre-orders for its camping conversions, with deliveries expected to begin in November 2024. Additionally, Peace Vans plans to offer a limited number of turnkey ID.Buzz-based campers for those who want a ready-to-go rig.
For those who need a reminder, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be available in the U.S. exclusively as a three-row, long-wheelbase model. Customers will be able to choose between a 282-hp or 335-hp all-wheel drive option. 4Movement All-wheel drive model, but all will be equipped with a 91-kWh battery pack that is said to be able to guarantee up to 420 kilometers of autonomy.