Volkswagen ID. Buzz Shows Global Growth but Struggles in the U.S.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles reports strong global growth for the ID. Buzz in 2025, while U.S. sales lag behind, prompting a pause before its return as a 2027 model.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is thriving globally, but its journey in the United States has been far less convincing. The results from 2025 underline this contrast clearly: worldwide deliveries of the electric van more than doubled, while the U.S. market remains a weak spot that now requires a strategic reset.

According to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, global deliveries of the ID. Buzz reached 60,700 units in 2025, marking a 102% increase year over year. The model played a central role in the brand’s electric growth, with battery-electric deliveries across the division rising by nearly 119%. A significant share of this success came from the ID. Buzz Cargo, which accounted for roughly 46% of global sales.

The picture in North America looks very different. Around 7,300 ID. Buzz units were delivered across the region in 2025. While that figure suggests rapid growth on paper, it largely reflects the fact that U.S. sales only began in late 2024. The offering was also limited: American customers received just one version of the van — a long-wheelbase, passenger-focused model with a 91-kWh battery — unlike Europe, where multiple battery options, body styles and the cargo variant are available.

Several factors weighed on the ID. Buzz in the U.S. market. A high entry price, a relatively modest EPA-rated driving range and the lack of eligibility for the federal EV tax credit all narrowed its appeal. Sales momentum was further disrupted by regulatory issues, as deliveries were temporarily halted during 2024 and 2025 due to recall campaigns linked to rear-seat safety requirements and brake warning indicators.

Against this backdrop, Volkswagen decided that the ID. Buzz will skip the 2026 model year in the United States. The company plans to focus on clearing existing inventory before bringing the electric van back as a 2027 model. Executives have stressed that this move represents a pause rather than a withdrawal, aimed at recalibrating the product for the market.

Outside the U.S., the ID. Buzz continues to build momentum. Demand in Europe remains solid, and the expansion of the lineup — including the upcoming long-wheelbase ID. Buzz Cargo — is expected to support further growth. Taken together, the contrasting performances highlight how strongly regional strategy shapes the success of electric vehicles, with the U.S. experience serving as a clear lesson for Volkswagen’s global EV ambitions.