Volkswagen ID. Buzz seems to be the latest victim of slowing electric vehicle sales in the US. VW is pulling the retro-inspired minivan from the US market for the 2026 model year, as first reported by Carscoops and confirmed by an InsideEVs spokesperson.
There has been a lot of anticipation for the ID. Buzz since Volkswagen first unveiled an early version of its design in 2017. In fact, VW has showcased so many concepts for the rebooted bus over the past few decades that there is a dedicated Wikipedia page for them.
There’s the 2001 Microbus Concept, the 2011 electric-powered Bulli, and the 2016 Budd-e, another vision for a plug-in van. All leading up to the 2025 ID. Buzz. However, the production model has faced a tough time since it started selling in America at the end of 2024.
Built in Germany, the van faced a surprising tariff once President Donald Trump took office for the second time. And its sales started slow, likely due to the initial price of $61,545 for a range of 234 miles. Meanwhile, the Buzz you might want – with all-wheel drive and bright dual-tone paint – costs around $70,000 and delivers a range of 231 miles. Recalls and sales stoppages have further hindered sales.
In our testing, we found that the Buzz is competent and charming, but it also misses opportunities. VW’s flagship electric vehicle, which seems designed for outdoor adventures and road trips, lacks practical features like a camping mode or always-on outlets in the cargo area.
While policy isn’t the only factor at play here, it can’t be ignored either. When the electric vehicle tax credit ended prematurely in September, it caused a drop in interest in electric vehicles. And that made it very difficult for a product that can be considered too expensive like the ID. Buzz. Moving forward, the electric vehicle market will only have room for vehicles that can truly hack it – or manufacturers willing to subsidize themselves.
Based on the communication VW sent to dealers and the spokesperson relayed to us, this model has not been outright canceled.
“ID. Buzz continues to serve as an important halo product for the Volkswagen brand, and maintaining its presence in the market remains a top priority. After a careful assessment of the current electric vehicle market conditions, we have made a strategic decision not to proceed with the production of MY26 ID. Buzz for the US market,” reads the memo.
“This approach allows us to focus our resources more effectively on our current inventories and support your retail performance throughout the remainder of MY25, ensuring a strong foundation as we prepare for the transition to MY27 next year,” it continued.
In recent months, many automakers have reconsidered their EV plans, delaying planned models and trimming the fat in their product lineups. In the last few months, the Ford F-150 Lightning, Acura ZDX, and Nissan Ariya have been canceled. And it seems that the ID. Buzz might not be the last overhaul we’ll see.
Contact the author: [email protected]. [Updated at 18:30 WIB with additional information on the ID. Buzz and VW bus concept].
