Volkswagen is skipping the 2026 model year for the ID.Buzz in the US, but the company insists the electric minibus isn’t going anywhere.
Volkswagen skips 2026 ID.Buzz for the US market
And just like that, the US loses yet another electric vehicle. However, this one is only temporary. Volkswagen told Electrek that the ID.Buzz won’t receive a 2026 model year in the US.
Instead, it’s moving straight to the 2027 model year. Volkswagen Group of America VP and chief communications officer, Jeannine Ginivan, clarified to Electrek that “Volkswagen is not canceling the ID.Buzz for the US market.”
“We’re leveraging current inventory of 2025 models early in the year in 2026 and moving straight to Model Year 2027 later in 2026. There are no changes in the vehicle for MY2026,” Ginivan said, adding that the company does have “sufficient inventory” of 2025 models to meet demand.
While you won’t be able to get your hands on a specific 2026MY, Volkswagen suggested the electric minibus is in a “transition” phase and will return in 2027.
Volkswagen of America said in a statement that “the ID.Buzz continues to serve as an important halo product” for the brand and “safeguarding its market presence remains a top priority.”
“Following a careful assessment of current EV market conditions, we have made the strategic decision not to move forward with MY26 ID.Buzz production for the US market,” VW said. Instead, it will use the resources to sell down current inventory, “ensuring a strong foundation as we prepare for the MY27 transition next year,” the company said.
The comments come after a text from a VW dealer surfaced on Reddit, claiming the company notified dealers that the ID.Buzz is being discontinued with no 2026 models planned. The text also stated, “What we currently have in stock will be the final availability.”
Volkswagen clarified that it has sufficient inventory of 2025 ID.Buzz models to sell over the next year as it prepares for the 2027MY.
Like the entire US auto industry, VW is facing new headwinds under the Trump administration, including new tariffs and policy changes such as ending the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles.
Through the first nine months of 2025, Volkswagen sold just under 5,000 ID.Buzz models in the US. The 2025 VW ID.Buzz started at $61,545 with an EPA-estimated driving range of 234 miles.
Electrek’s Take
The Volkswagen minibus was a hit thanks to its open, flexible interior and distinctive look, which became a cultural icon. However, it was also extremely affordable.
Top comment by kbrannen
That's a shame, but VW kind of goofed with it. It was either $10K over priced or about 80 miles under range ... or really both changes together would have helped it sell better.
I liked the prototype better, honestly. Still, if I needed a van it would have been on my list to consider. I do hope it comes back after a year of vacation. 🙂
While the policy changes under the Trump Administration are forcing automakers to rethink their electrification plans, the $60K electric minibus was a tough sell from the start.
Volkswagen is promising to introduce more affordable vehicles, but the US will miss out on most of them. Will the ID.Buzz return in 2027 at a lower price? It could.
Ford recently announced it has ended production of the current F-150 Lightning and will replace it with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) version. The American automaker is also shifting from large, more expensive EVs to smaller, more profitable models.
Once thing is for sure: When, or if, the ID.Buzz returns; it will need to be either at a lower price or offer much more in terms of features, driving range, etc.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments