Camping electrically in the VW bus – that is the dream of many Bulli fans. With the ID. Buzz, VW has delivered the retro design. But a camping bus? Not yet. The T5/T6 with the ESDI electric kit can already do it today.
What makes a real camping bus
Interior height: At least 1,300 mm. Seat rails: Move, rotate, remove seats without tools. Pop-up roof: Standing height and additional sleeping spaces. Modular interior: Kitchen module, bed solution, storage space. Accessory ecosystem: Wide range of aftermarket solutions.
ID. Buzz: the camping check
| Criterion | ID. Buzz | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Interior height | 1.180 mm | Too low for kitchen modules |
| Seat rails | No | Seats only removable with tools |
| Pop-up roof | Not available | No aftermarket |
| Kitchen modules | Hardly available | Interior height limited |
| California-Version | Not announced | No official date |
T5/T6 with ESDI electric kit: fits the California in most cases
| Criterion | ESDI T5/T6 Electric |
|---|---|
| Interior height | 1.410 mm |
| Seat rails | Yes (Multivan/Caravelle) |
| Pop-up roof | Retrofittable (Reimo, SCA) |
| Kitchen modules | VanEssa, Reimo – everything fits |
| Accessory market | 20+ years, hundreds of providers |
The 20-year accessory ecosystem
Pop-up roofs: Reimo, SCA, Pössl – from approx. €3,000–6,000. Kitchen modules: VanEssa Mobile Camping, Reimo, Easiwork. Bed solutions: Brandrup, VanEssa, Spacecamper. Everything else: Awnings, roof racks, thermal mats, solar panels.
82 kWh at the campsite
| Appliance | Power | In 12 hours |
|---|---|---|
| LED lighting | ~20 W | ~0,24 kWh |
| Cool box (compressor) | ~45 W | ~0,54 kWh |
| Charge smartphone (2x) | ~20 W | ~0,24 kWh |
| Electric heater (third-party device) | ~1.500 W | ~18 kWh |
Without heating: ~1–2 kWh per night. ESDI does not currently offer an auxiliary heater.
What does an electric camping bus cost?
| Variant | Vehicle | Camping fit-out | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESDI T5 + basic fit-out | ~49.990 € | ~3.000–5.000 € | ~53.000–55.000 € |
| ESDI T5 + full fit-out | ~49.990 € | ~8.000–15.000 € | ~58.000–65.000 € |
The conclusion
Anyone who wants to camp electrically today needs a T5/T6 with the ESDI electric kit. The T5/T6 offers the interior height, seat rails, the accessory market and the modularity of a real camping bus. The 82 kWh deliver range and standing comfort.
All prices incl. VAT. As of 03/2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp in the ID. Buzz?
In its current form, the ID. Buzz is not a camping bus. It has no seat rails, no pop-up roof and only 1,180 mm of interior height.
Is there a VW ID. Buzz California?
As of March 2026, VW has not announced an ID. Buzz California.
Can you convert a VW T5 or T6 to an electric camper?
Yes. The ESDI EV kit replaces the diesel drive. In most cases, the kit is also compatible with the camping conversion; we check the specific conversion version in advance. The battery pack and subframe weigh around 800 kg – the payload can be restored by upgrading the gross vehicle weight rating.
How long does the battery last when camping while stationary?
With normal stationary use, theoretically for weeks. ESDI does not currently offer an auxiliary heater.
Continue reading in the guide
- ID. Buzz interior: how much space does it really have?
- Buying a used electric Bulli vs. a new ID. Buzz
- MEB battery in the T5/T6: the technology explained
→ ID. Buzz fact comparison | → T5/T6 kit page | → All guide articles
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