In May 2026, VW announced the return of the electric van for the 2027 model year. According to the automaker, the new model range would gradually reach dealerships from August 2026 to early 2027, with the ID. Buzz is expected in autumn 2026.
As Automotive news Volkswagen of America reportedly informed its dealers of a revised schedule on September 24, 2026. Just the day before, VW had included the 2027 model year ID Buzz in a press release about its in-car gaming offering, AirConsole.
In a statement, VW presented the 2028 model year as a consolidation of several improvements. Updates announced for the skipped year will be retained. These include NACS charging via an adapter, one-pedal driving, physical buttons on the steering wheel, and the Tourer trim line aimed at camping enthusiasts. According to VW, the Tourer is based on the European Good Night package. New additions include updated software, vehicle-to-charge functionality and the integration of a digital vehicle key.
Revised steering wheel buttons and vehicle charging functionality aren’t entirely new for the ID. Buzz. For Europe, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announced a comprehensive update in April 2026. This includes physical buttons replacing the unpopular touch-sensitive surfaces and V2L capability, which can power devices with up to 2 kW via an adapter in the charging port. VW has not revealed the power of the US version. The manufacturer also does not say anything about whether there will be changes to the transmission, battery or autonomy.
A bumpy market launch
The identification. Buzz, manufactured exclusively by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, was first launched in the US in November 2024 with an EPA range of 234 miles (~380 km) and a starting price of just under $60,000. According Automotive newsIt was the most expensive model in VW’s American range at the time. Analysts cited by the industry outlet noted that the high price and limited range had limited its appeal.
In its first full year of sales, 2025, the ID. Buzz achieved 6,140 deliveries. Automotive news reports that two sales stoppages reduced volumes, which was compounded by two recalls and high US import tariffs in place since spring 2025. According to Inside electric vehiclesthe DNI. Buzz never qualified for the $7,500 federal tax credit, but the end of this incentive contributed to a broader decline in the U.S. EV market. Following an assessment of market conditions, VW confirmed in December 2025 that it would skip the 2026 model year for the U.S. without abandoning the model entirely.
In the first half of 2026, Volkswagen sold an additional 2,481 units. Automotive News estimates that the sale of the 2025 model year is almost complete: the Cars.com portal lists only 38 new IDs. Buzz vehicles that remain nationwide.
A shrinking American lineup
The delay comes at a time when VW’s electric supply in the United States is already shrinking. In April 2026, US CEO Kjell Gruner stated that new electric vehicle models would not arrive in the US until the end of the decade, a decision confirmed by headquarters in Wolfsburg. According to a VW spokesperson, the future SSP electric platform will serve as the basis for this. Until then, ID.4 and ID. Rumors will continue to be the center of attention.
However, that same month, VW stopped production of the ID.4 at its Chattanooga plant to focus on the second generation of the internal combustion SUV, the Atlas. VW claims that inventory from the 2026 model year will meet demand for the ID.4 through 2027. The manufacturer announced a future version for North America in May 2026. In Europe, the successor to the ID.4 will celebrate its world premiere next month and will be renamed ID. Tiguan. However, it is not yet clear if this model will reach the United States.
VW, on the other hand, explicitly reaffirms its commitment to the ID. Buzz. A VW spokesperson said Inside electric vehicles than the DNI. Buzz remains an important part of the US portfolio and the company is defending its future in the US market. The manufacturer plans to provide more details about the 2028 model year in the coming months.
autonews.com, insideevs.com
