VW’s Next-Gen Microbus Proves Its Travel Potential Once and for AllGear PatrolgvandykeUpdatedMon, September 21, 2026 at 7:44 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe ID. Buzz has just shown that it's more than capable of being a globetrotter like its predecessors.Since its debut, the ID. Buzz has quietly distinguished itself on account of its charming retro style and spacious interior.Moreover, the availability of overlanding-worthy upgrades has only served to bolster its adventure potential.Now, Volkswagen has just proven the van's travel potential with a remarkable globe-trotting feat.Volkswagen's ID. Buzz managed nearly 62,000 miles without a single technical hiccup. - Credit: Volkswagen ID. Buzz World TourA feat for VW's EV vanThat's because driver Rainer Zietlow recently set a Guinness World Record for the most countries visited in a continuous journey by a battery-powered electric vehicle using a Volkswagen ID. Buzz.AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter setting out in July 2025, he spent 445 days covering some 99,767 kilometers (approximately 62,000 miles). During the trip, he made 16 ocean crossings and traversed 92 countries across six continents.The van recorded more than 300 charging cycles over the course of the trip. - Credit: Volkswagen ID. Buzz World TourEV or not, that amounts to an impressive display of endurance. However, what makes it especially remarkable is that the van did so without a single technical failure.Furthermore, TÜV Nord inspected the ID. Buzz before and after the journey. Even with more than 300 recorded charging cycles over the course of the trip, the battery registered 95.75 percent state of health upon return.Zietlow hit 92 countries on six different continents as part of his trip. - Credit: Volkswagen ID. Buzz World TourWhy this record hits differentlyStill, impressive as distance feats can be, they're often too controlled to represent true real-world results. (Hypermiling records are only meaningful if you also plan to drive at low speeds, without climate control and downhill.)The drive took Zietlow into plenty of areas with less than ideal charging infrastructure, but his finish shows that the adoption is growing. - Credit: Volkswagen ID. Buzz World TourHowever, Zietlow's ID. Buzz drive was not that. He drove an unmodified production ID. Buzz across terrain and through regions where limited charging infrastructure required genuine problem-solving.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs such, the feat is as much a statement about the expanding global charging ecosystem as it is about the van itself.While it wasn't without its challenges, it does show that adoption is growing; the fact that Zietlow finished at all proves EVs are becoming increasingly viable alternatives.The ID. Buzz is continuing the spirit of its predecessors with its worldly ambitions. - Credit: Volkswagen ID. Buzz World TourIt makes for good timing. Volkswagen has only deepened the ID. Buzz's travel identity through releases like the Tourer and the California Cruise, and the price of gas has to be making the BEV powertrain more attractive.Availability and pricingVolkswagen's ID. Buzz will be returning to the United States for the 2027 model year. As of this writing, the automaker has not yet announced pricing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.