An honest guide to help you decide
The VW ID Buzz is a genuinely special vehicle. That T2-inspired design, the smooth electric driving experience, the way it makes people smile. We love converting them into a fully-functioning ID Buzz campervan!
But it’s not right for everyone. This guide answers the questions we get asked most often, honestly, so you can figure out whether the ID Buzz camper suits your needs before you buy one.
The Basics
What conversion do you offer for the ID Buzz?
We offer the E-Chamonix: a double slat bed design with a fully equipped kitchen including induction hob. It’s our only design for the ID Buzz because the vehicle’s interior layout doesn’t allow for the rock and roll bed configurations we offer on other vans.
How many people can sleep in an ID Buzz camper?
Two in the standard E-Chamonix. With the optional Horizon pop-top roof, you can sleep up to four, though realistically this works best as two or three roomy berths, or a cosy four-berth for families with children. It’s a compact van.
How many belted seats does it have?
A maximum of three belted seats, all in the front cab. There’s no option for rear belted seats in the ID Buzz conversion. This is a genuine constraint of how the conversion works in this vehicle.
If rear passenger seats are important to you, consider the Fiat e-Scudo instead, which offers up to five belted seats.
Can you convert the passenger version (ID Buzz Life)?
No. We only convert the ID Buzz Cargo (panel van). The Cargo version gives us a blank canvas to work with and the best layout options.
Can you convert the long wheelbase ID Buzz?
No. We convert the short wheelbase Cargo only. There is no long wheelbase Cargo version available in the UK.
Do you offer a pop-top roof?
Yes. The Horizon pop-top roof (£6,495 inc VAT) is optional. It adds standing room inside (6ft 2″ at the rear) and a second sleeping area in the roof.
Many customers prefer the Buzz without one. It keeps the clean lines, there’s no added height for car parks, and for two people the double slat bed downstairs is perfectly comfortable.
Heating: The Big Question
This is the most important section of this guide. Please read it carefully.
Can you install gas heating in the ID Buzz campervan?
No. The ID Buzz chassis design doesn’t allow us to safely fit a gas system. This is a genuine constraint of the vehicle, not something that can be worked around.
Why can’t you use electric heating off-grid?
This is the question everyone asks. After all, it’s an electric van, so surely you can just use electric heating?
The short answer: the physics doesn’t work.
A typical space heater draws 2,000 to 3,000W and needs to run for hours. Even a large lithium leisure battery would be drained in no time. Solar panels can’t replenish that much energy overnight, especially on short winter days. A battery bank large enough to provide meaningful off-grid heating would fill your cupboards, add hundreds of kilograms to the vehicle, and cost more than most conversion budgets.
We’ve written about this in detail: The Ultimate Guide to Heating Your VW ID Buzz campervan
How do ID Buzz owners actually stay warm?
ID Buzz owners use a combination approach:
Vehicle heating: The Buzz has an excellent built-in heating system. A 10 to 15 minute blast warms the cabin nicely. Just be mindful of your traction battery level.
Campsite hook-up: When connected to mains power, you can use a portable electric heater.
12V electric blankets: Drawing just 3 to 5 amps, these keep you cosy in bed without draining your leisure battery. It’s often warmer to heat the person than the space.
Portable power stations: Some owners use an EcoFlow or similar for occasional off-grid heating, though this is limited.
Quality insulation: We install Thermafleece natural insulation in all our conversions, which helps the van retain heat far longer than cheap alternatives.
This works brilliantly for three-season camping and campsite-based winter trips. Many Buzz owners are genuinely content with this approach.
What if I need year-round off-grid heating?
If you want to wild camp in Scotland in February, the ID Buzz isn’t the right vehicle for you.
Consider the Fiat e-Scudo or the Ford E-Transit Custom / VW e-Transporter instead. We can install Propex gas heating in all of these, giving you reliable off-grid warmth regardless of electrical system state.
This isn’t us trying to upsell you. It’s us being honest about what works for different camping styles.
Cooking and Electrical
Can I cook on electric only?
Yes. In fact, the ID Buzz conversion comes with an induction hob as standard when you choose the electric package.
What’s included in the electric package?
The electric package (+£2,160 inc VAT) includes:
- Induction hob
- Lithium leisure battery
- 2000W pure sine wave inverter
- Solar panel system
This gives you fully electric cooking that can be powered off-grid. The hob locks away under the worktop when not in use.
What if I already have a power pack or portable power station?
The ID Buzz is a small van, so whether we can design dedicated storage for a larger power pack depends on its size. We’d need to know the make, model, and dimensions to advise properly.
Can I use my power pack instead of a leisure battery?
Possibly, but it depends on what you want to power and how you want to use it.
If you’re planning to use induction cooking, the electric package with its lithium battery, inverter, and solar is designed to work together as a system. A portable power station could supplement this, but probably wouldn’t replace it.
If you want to use a power pack as your primary power source, we’d need to understand exactly what you’re hoping to achieve. Get in touch and we can talk it through.
Storage and Personal Equipment in your ID Buzz campervan
Can you accommodate my existing toilet?
Possibly. The ID Buzz is a compact van, so it depends on the dimensions of your toilet. We’d need to know the make, model, and size to check whether it can be stored properly within the layout.
A standard Thetford porta potti fits comfortably. Larger composting toilets may or may not work depending on their dimensions.
What about storing a larger power pack?
Same answer: it depends on the size. Let us know what you have and we’ll tell you if it’s feasible.
How much storage space is there generally?
The ID Buzz is a compact van. There’s storage under the bed, in overhead lockers, and in the kitchen unit, but it’s not cavernous. If storage capacity is a priority, the e-Scudo offers more interior space.
Pricing
How much does the conversion cost?
E-Chamonix conversion: From £20,399 inc VAT
Electric cooking package: +£2,160 inc VAT
Horizon pop-top roof: +£6,495 inc VAT
How much does a base vehicle cost?
New ID Buzz Cargo: The 79kWh Commerce starts at £38,190 ex VAT (£47,254 inc VAT inc OTR). The Plug-in Van Grant can reduce this by up to £5,000, bringing it to around £42,254 inc VAT.
Used ID Buzz Cargo: From around £22,000 to £45,000 depending on age, mileage, and specification. Older 2023 models with higher mileage start from the low twenties; newer low-mileage examples command more. The used market is growing and there are some good options available.
What does a completely converted ID Buzz campervan cost?
A complete converted ID Buzz typically comes in around £45,000 to £70,000 inc VAT depending on base vehicle choice and options.
For comparison:
- A complete Fiat e-Scudo conversion starts from around £42,000 inc VAT
- A factory VW California (diesel/petrol hybrid, not electric) costs £75,000 to £90,000+
What extras add to the price?
Beyond the electric package and pop-top roof:
- Additional windows: £320 each inc VAT
- Solar panels (if not taking the electric package): Price on request
- Portaloo: Price on request
We’ll give you a detailed quote during the consultation process.
Process and Timing
What’s your current lead time for a VW ID Buzz campervan?
Lead times vary depending on our order book. Get in touch and we can give you an up-to-date picture of when we could start your conversion.
How long does the conversion take?
Once we have everything ordered and prepared, the actual workshop time is typically a couple of weeks.
Can I source my own vehicle?
Yes. Many customers find their own ID Buzz and bring it to us for conversion. Alternatively, we can help source your vehicle through our VW dealer network.
What should I look for in a used ID Buzz?
- Full VW service history
- Battery health report (aim for above 90%)
- Cargo version (panel van), not the Life (passenger version)
- Short wheelbase only
The ID Buzz comes with an 8-year / 100,000-mile battery warranty from date of first registration, which transfers with the vehicle.
In conclusion – should you get a VW ID Buzz campervan?
The ID Buzz is a great choice if you:
- Want the iconic styling and the way it makes people smile
- Are happy with three-season camping, or campsite-based trips in winter
- Don’t need rear belted seats (maximum three seats, all in the front)
- Value range (the Buzz offers the best miles per charge of our electric van options)
- Want a purely electric setup with induction cooking
- Appreciate modern technology and the smooth EV driving experience
Consider an alternative if you:
- Need year-round off-grid heating capability
- Need rear belted seats for family travel
- Want maximum interior space
- Have budget flexibility (the e-Scudo starts at a lower price point)
The alternatives at a glance
Fiat e-Scudo: More interior space, gas heating available, up to five belted seats, lower starting price. Less distinctive styling, shorter range than the Buzz.
Ford E-Transit Custom / VW e-Transporter: Familiar Transporter layout, gas heating available, up to five belted seats. Smaller battery and shorter range than the Buzz.
Ford Transit Custom PHEV / VW Transporter PHEV: Plug-in hybrid option if you’re not ready to go fully electric. Same layout and capability as the electric version, with gas heating available and up to five belted seats. The petrol engine removes range anxiety for longer trips.
VW Caddy Maxi eHybrid: Our micro camper option. Smaller than all of the above, but drives like a car and works as an everyday vehicle. Up to four belted seats with the Mandalay design.
Read more:
- The 3 Best Electric Vans for Campervan Conversion in 2026
- Fiat e-Scudo vs VW ID Buzz: Which Electric Campervan is Right for You?
- Making the Transition from a Diesel to an Electric Campervan
Next Steps
Ready to go ahead with an ID Buzz campervan? Get in touch to discuss your requirements and join our build queue.
Still deciding? Book a consultation or visit our workshop in Newhaven (East Sussex) to see completed conversions in person. We’re happy to talk through your options with no pressure.
Thinking an alternative might suit you better? We’re not precious about which van you choose. We just want to help you find the right one. Get in touch and we can discuss what would work best for your situation.
Is the ID Buzz Right for You?
Contact Sunbox Campers
Workshop: Newhaven, East Sussex
Email: hello@sunboxcampers.co.uk
Phone: 07973 687950
Website: www.sunboxcampers.co.uk