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In a bold demonstration of the potential of electric mobility, the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz has set out on an extraordinary world tour, aiming to break the world record for the most countries visited during a single journey in an electric vehicle.
At the heart of the journey is Rainer Zietlow, an experienced long-distance driver and eight-time Guinness World Record holder, who departed from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customer centre at the VW Bus plant in Hanover, Germany. Backed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, electricity provider Elli, and additional partners, Zietlow is taking on the globe in the ID. Buzz — and you can follow his route in real time at www.idbuzz-worldtour.com.
The ambitious journey will see Zietlow and his team traverse over 75 countries in a tour lasting more than eight months. The route includes stops as far east as New Zealand and as far west as Vancouver, Canada. Aside from necessary shipping across oceans and routine customs procedures, the ID. Buzz will complete the entire journey on its own four wheels.
“With the 86kWh battery in the ID. Buzz, we can achieve a range of more than 400 kilometres per charge,” explains Zietlow. “So I can also cover stages through sparsely populated sections of the route.”
To adapt to global infrastructure challenges, the ID. Buzz used for the journey is fitted with an additional on-board charger, enabling it to accept high-voltage AC (up to 125A) and convert it into DC power — a valuable feature in regions without fast DC charging.
Zietlow is no stranger to the road — or to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicles. “I’ve travelled to more than 110 countries so far and have already made it to Qatar with my ID. Buzz predecessor,” he says.
The seasoned explorer adds: “I am not a company driver, I drive on my own account and at my own risk but supported by my partners.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proud to support the tour and shine a spotlight on the capability of the ID. Buzz in real-world, global conditions.
“We are very impressed that Rainer has the courage and expertise to take on a world tour like this,” says Lars Krause, member of the Brand Board of Management. “I travel a lot of long distances in the ID. Buzz myself and can report that the topic of charging is no longer a problem, certainly in Europe. With his tour, Rainer’s team will inspire many people to switch to an all-electric vehicle.”
The global rollout of the ID. Buzz is also helping ensure peace of mind during the journey. Spare parts support is already in place across much of the route, with the model now introduced in countries such as Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, the USA, and Canada.
With the ID. Buzz already proving its capabilities on long-distance roads, this record-breaking journey is set to demonstrate that the future of electric mobility isn't just coming — it's already here.
To find out more about the all-electric ID. Buzz or to explore electric van options for your next adventure, contact the team at Western Volkswagen Van Centre today.
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