AUTO

Volkswagen Announces ‘BusBox’ Camper Kit

April 1, 2022

Much has been made of both the return of the VW Bus and the slide-out camp kitchen in the Rivian R1T electric pickup truck, but there’s a new twist in the battle for campground EV supremacy that might give Volkswagen’s electric van the edge. Meet the BusBox!

The BusBox provides an outdoor kitchen area, fold-up bed, portable water supply, and an organized storage system to maximize cargo space. Together, the company says these BusBox features create “a mobile home in a box” that can be easily removed once you’re back from Holiday.

Currently, the BusBox is only officially available for the Volkswagen Caravelle, California Beach Tour and Caddy model vans – and, while sharp-eyed readers might notice that the ID. Buzz isn’t present on that list, that doesn’t mean the BusBox won’t fit. In fact, Volkswagen has already confirmed that a “California” version of the ID. Buzz is in the works, so it’s all but a given that the new electric minivan from VW will also get an optional BusBox.

When not in use, the BusBox neatly occupies the space behind the third row seats in VW’s minivans. With the seats folded down, the strap can be undone and the padded sleeping surface (“bed” seems a bit generous) unfurls, offering plenty of room for two adult campers. With the rear door forming a sort of awning when it’s up and away, a slide-out cook top and prep/dining surface appear, along with a gravity-powered “water faucet” that will be instantly familiar to avid campers/kids who played soccer in the 80s.

Volkswagen BusBox

“Developing accessories that make our customers’ lives easier is a high priority at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles,” says James Allitt, Head of Aftersales at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (vans). “(Which is) why our one-stop-shop mobile home in a box is a great solution for those planning a camping holiday … Our new camping accessory range makes travel more convenient for customers by combining all travel essentials, from utilities to water supply, in a smartly designed, comfortable and compact space.”

The Volkswagen BusBox camper option is available now in the UK and Europe, where it sells for £3,340 (approx. 4,500USD). That seems pricey, but with rooftop tents and other overlanding gear going for crazy money these days, it might be somewhat reasonable.

While you think about that, watch the Rivian R1T camp video, below, compare it to VW’s solution, then let us know which one you’re more likely to swing on.