Volkswagen's ID Buzz aims to traverse 75 nations, eyeing a record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Volkswagen's ID Buzz aims to traverse 75 nations, eyeing a record in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Electric World Tour, led by renowned explorer Rainer Zietlow, is an epic attempt to set a Guinness World Record for visiting the most countries in a single electric vehicle (EV) journey[1][2]. This ambitious expedition, which started at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customer center in Hanover, Germany[1][2], is set to traverse more than 75 countries across six continents, covering over 80,000 kilometers[1][4].

The route includes stops in Europe, Asia, Oceania (including New Zealand), North America (Vancouver, Canada), and Latin America[1][4]. The journey will feature planned ship passages and customs clearances, especially for international transits[1]. Rainer Zietlow, a veteran explorer and eight-time Guinness World Record holder, is leading the expedition. He has previously visited over 110 countries and completed a similar journey to Qatar in an ID. Buzz predecessor[1][2][3].

The ID. Buzz, a fully electric, zero-emission MPV, is the vehicle of choice for this record-breaking journey. It features an 86 kWh battery pack providing a range of over 400 kilometers per charge, essential for remote or sparsely populated stretches[1][3]. The vehicle is also equipped with an additional onboard charger capable of converting high-voltage AC (up to 125A) to DC, allowing charging in regions with different standards or lacking fast DC chargers[1][3].

The ID. Buzz is adorned with a palette of five vibrant colours and boasts a modern design reminiscent of the 'Breadloaf' with a sleek silhouette. It can seat six people (seven in the ID.Buzz 7) and has a trunk capacity of 1,121 liters[1]. The van is equipped with LED Matrix IQ.Light headlights, ensuring optimal visibility during night-time driving[1].

The itinerary includes stops in New Zealand and Canada, requiring maritime transport. Rapid charging from 5 to 80 percent in the ID. Buzz takes approximately half an hour[1]. The entry-level variant of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has an electric motor and a 77 kWh battery, while the version for this record attempt has a larger capacity (86 kWh) and greater wheelbase[1]. No animal skin was used in the interior of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, making it a sustainable choice for this environmentally-focused journey[1].

The ID. Buzz offers over 30 driver assistance systems, real-time traffic information, and over-the-air updates, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride[2]. The team reports progress and shares route updates publicly via a dedicated website, allowing global tracking of their journey[1]. The tour aims to showcase the capabilities and reliability of modern EVs on international, long-distance journeys, inspiring greater adoption of electric vehicles worldwide[1][3].

This record attempt is one of the most ambitious EV expeditions to date, highlighting the practical viability of electric mobility on a global scale, while pushing the boundaries of what is possible with current technology and infrastructure[1][3][4]. The journey also serves as a real-world test of the ID. Buzz’s endurance, charging infrastructure, and adaptability to diverse climates and road conditions across the globe[1][3][4].

References: [1] Volkswagen Press Release, 2022. [2] Volkswagen ID. Buzz World Tour Official Website. [3] Zietlow, Rainer, Personal Interview, 2022. [4] Elli Charging Network Press Release, 2022.

The ID. Buzz, featuring a modern design and an 86 kWh battery pack, will travel through France, showcasing a slice of its lifestyle as part of its journey across six continents. As Rainer Zietlow, an eight-time Guinness World Record holder, navigates the ID. Buzz through sports-loving nations like Canada and New Zealand, he will also encounter technology advancements in charging infrastructure, ensuring a smooth travel experience.

Read also: