Here’s what Volkswagen’s new EV camper looks like in person [Video]

This one is about a vehicle, not home upgrades, but it does touch on something homeowners with electric cars or solar setups might find interesting: bidirectional power. Volkswagen showed off its first fully electric camper van, the ID. California Cruise, based on the ID. Buzz. It seats and sleeps two, with a fold-out bed and blackout shades, and comes with camping chairs and a table included.

The feature worth noting is vehicle-to-load, or V2L, which lets the van's battery act as a portable power source. With up to 3.6 kW of output, it can run a coffee pot, laptop, or camping gear, or charge an e-bike or e-scooter, similar to how some electric vehicles can now power tools or appliances from their battery pack. The van uses a 79 kWh or 86 kWh battery depending on the version, with a driving range up to 302 miles.

Pricing starts around $70,500 in Germany, with deliveries beginning in early 2027. Volkswagen has not confirmed the camper for the US market, though a similar Tourer version of the ID. Buzz is coming to American buyers in 2027. If you already have or are considering an EV with V2L capability, this is a reminder that some vehicles can double as backup power for small appliances or outages at home, a feature worth checking for on any EV you're shopping for, camper or not.