Vw Calf Camper Vans: Us Emission-Friendly?

Volkswagen camper vans are iconic, but they have never been sold in the United States. The original California was not sold in the US, and the company does not currently sell vans, commercial vehicles, or trailers in the country. The new California 6.1 is also not being sold in North America. However, Volkswagen has confirmed that its electric van, the ID Buzz, will be available in the US. This opens up the possibility of an electric pop-top van in the future.

VW camper vans are not sold in the US

Volkswagen camper vans are not sold in the US because the company does not believe there is a large enough market for them. Setting up manufacturing plants to build the camper vans in the US would be costly and time-consuming, and Volkswagen does not believe it could sell enough units to cover these costs.

In addition, there would be a lengthy approval process with the federal government, which further adds to the cost and complexity of bringing the camper vans to the US market. Volkswagen has determined that, for now, it is not worth the effort to sell camper vans in the US.

The California Beach Camper, the base model of the VW California camper van, starts at $76,350. By US standards, it would fall under the smallest motorhome category, Class B. While this is a lot of money, it is actually on the lower end for a Class B camper. However, for this price, consumers would get a lot less vehicle and functionality compared to other options on the market.

The VW California Ocean, the more premium model, offers a wide range of features, including LED headlights, alloy wheels, a wind-out awning, two chairs, a table, a two-burner stovetop, and a refrigerator. It also comes with a sink, an outdoor shower attachment, electric and water taps outside, and rear climate control, all for a price of around $80,000 to $90,000.

The VW California Beach Tour is a cheaper alternative to the Ocean, with fewer amenities. It does not have water tanks, a sink, or shower capabilities, and it has less storage and no awning. However, it offers a bigger bed on the bottom and a more affordable price tag of around $68,000.

While VW camper vans are not sold directly in the US, it is possible to find them on the secondary market, either by purchasing a used model or by buying one overseas and having it shipped to the US. Additionally, there are companies in the US that buy vans, such as the Mercedes Sprinter, and convert them into camper vans.

VW camper vans are available in the UK

Volkswagen camper vans are iconic and have a rich legacy of exploration and adventure. The latest 2024 California model continues this legacy, offering a new interior concept with enhanced functionality and plenty of practical features for daily use.

The California comes in three trims: Beach, Coast, and Ocean. All models come with two sliding side doors as standard, making the campervan more flexible for everyday life. The sliding door on the driver's side ensures comfortable and easy entry and exit, while the second sliding door on the passenger side, together with the redesigned kitchen and an external folding table, enables greater versatility for cooking and outdoor eating. The California Beach Camper offers a manually operated pop-up roof, a roof bed, and shading for the interior, as well as a kitchenette with a gas hob and external power supply. The California Coast adds a full kitchen with a cool box, sink, and exterior folding table, 230-volt socket, 3-zone climate control, and an electrohydraulic pop-up roof. The range-topping California Ocean offers additional features such as LED Matrix headlights, a satellite navigation system, a roof storage compartment, and an interior ambient lighting concept.

In the UK, there are several companies that specialise in offering a wide selection of high-quality Volkswagen camper vans for sale, such as Denby Campervans and Quirky Campers. These companies offer both ready-to-drive VW camper vans and bespoke VW campervan conversions tailored to the customer's preferences. Finance options are also available, with monthly payments starting from around £400-£700, including VAT.

VW camper vans are available in Europe

Volkswagen camper vans are available in Europe, with the company continuing its campervan legacy with the all-new California. The VW camper van is a modern, luxurious version of the legendary Westfalia, with a flexible and practical design. The VW T6.1 California offers a rock-and-roll bench that converts into a double bed, a kitchenette, a pop-top roof, and 3-zone climate control.

The all-new California is designed for both adventure and daily use, featuring a new 3-room concept with highly flexible seating and smart camping innovations. It comes with two sliding side doors, offering greater versatility for cooking and outdoor eating. The campervan also provides more spacious camping with electric parking brakes, adjustable seats, and movable and removable individual seats in the rear. Digital features and intelligent assistance systems, such as climate control and interior heating, can be easily accessed via the California app, infotainment display, and the new camper control unit.

The California is available in three trims: Beach, Coast, and Ocean. The Beach trim offers 5 seats and 4 sleeping spaces, a manually operated pop-up roof, a kitchenette, and an external power supply. The Coast trim adds a full kitchen, cool box, sink, exterior folding table, 230-volt socket, electrohydraulic pop-up roof, and a rear-view camera. The top-of-the-line Ocean trim includes LED Matrix headlights, a satellite navigation system, additional roof storage, and an interior ambient lighting concept.

The VW camper van is a popular choice for those seeking a cool and iconic look, with its image alone justifying its success. It offers a solidly built interior and comfortable beds, with the roof bed being more spacious due to its exclusive use for sleeping. The California is priced starting from £63,376 OTR including VAT in the UK, while the twin-tone paint option costs an additional £2,880.

In addition to the VW California, there are several other camper van options available in Europe, such as the Hymer Venture S, Ford Nugget Plus, Mercedes Marco Polo, Hobby Vantana De Luxe, Etrusco Urban Camper, and the VW Grand California. These camper vans offer unique features such as inflatable pop-tops, permanent toilets, and innovative roof hatches, providing a range of choices for those seeking a camping experience in Europe.

VW camper vans are not electric

While VW camper vans are not currently electric, Volkswagen has confirmed that an electric version is on the way. The ID. California will be the first all-electric member of the VW California family, combining the "trend towards mobile leisure arrangements with sustainable CO2-neutral mobility". The ID. Buzz, as it's also known, was initially set for release in 2022, but it seems that production has been pushed back.

The ID. Buzz will be built at the Hannover plant alongside the ID. Buzz MPV and cargo van models, the new T7 Multivan, and the Transporter T6.1. The production ID. Buzz van is on track to debut in 2022, several years before the California e-camper variant.

In the meantime, there are other options for those looking for an electric camper van. German converter Flowcamper has released the Frieda Volt, based on the VW T5/T6. The Volt has a flexible, modular interior that seats five and sleeps up to four, and even includes a toilet. The Volt has an estimated maximum range of just under 200 miles, which may not be suitable for long-distance travel but should be practical for travelling around Germany and neighbouring countries. The Volt is priced at €79,990 (approx. US$85,475).

For those looking for a more affordable option, Sussex Campervans has developed an electric campervan conversion, the e-NV200, based on the Nissan NV200. This model is priced from £59,995.

VW camper vans are not cheap

While VW camper vans are renowned for their popularity and brand recognition, they are not cheap. The 2021 Volkswagen California Beach, for instance, starts at $82,990 before on-road costs. The 2024 California Campervan is priced at £63,376 OTR, including VAT. These prices reflect the consistent demand for VW camper vans, which contributes to a higher price point compared to other options in the market.

The limited supply of new VW camper vans, especially in the US, also influences their cost. Volkswagen does not currently sell vans, commercial vehicles, or trailers in the United States, making it challenging for interested buyers to find authorised dealers. This scarcity drives up the price for those who are determined to own a VW camper van.

Additionally, VW camper vans are known for retaining their value over time. Even classic models, such as the 1969, 1971, and 1972 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper, remain sought-after and can command substantial prices. This retention of value is a testament to the enduring appeal of VW camper vans, but it also means that they rarely become more affordable as they age.

The features and amenities included in VW camper vans also contribute to their price. These vehicles offer a range of comforts and conveniences, such as flexible seating arrangements, digital features, and innovative storage solutions. The California Beach, Coast, and Ocean models, for example, provide different levels of specifications, with the Ocean offering LED Matrix headlights, a satellite navigation system, additional roof storage, and an interior ambient lighting concept.

Furthermore, VW camper vans are often equipped with specialised camping features, such as pop-up roofs, sleeping spaces, and kitchenettes, which add to their overall cost. The California Beach Camper, for instance, includes a manually operated pop-up roof, a roof bed, and a kitchenette with a gas hob and an external power supply. These features enhance the camping experience but also contribute to the overall expense of the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions