- The Volkswagen ID. Buzz won’t come back for the 2026 model year.
- Sales of the retro-inspired minivan got off to a slow start, in part due to its high price and relatively skimpy range.
- The model isn’t being canceled outright.
The cutesy Volkswagen ID. Buzz looks to be the latest casualty of slowing electric vehicle sales in the U.S. VW is pulling the retro-inspired minivan from the U.S. market for the 2026 model year, Carscoops first reported and a spokesperson confirmed to InsideEVs.
There were huge expectations for the ID. Buzz ever since Volkswagen unveiled a concept version way back in 2017. But it’s had a rough go of it since it went on sale in America in late 2024.
Built in Germany, the van faced surprise tariffs once President Donald Trump took office for a second time. And sales got off to a slow start, likely due to the van’s $61,545 starting price for just 234 miles of range. A pair of recalls and stop-sale orders stunted sales further.
While policy whiplash wasn’t the only factor at play here, it can’t be ignored either. When the EV tax credit expired prematurely in September, it took much of the appetite for EVs down with it. And it made things especially tough for an arguably too-expensive product like the ID. Buzz. Going forward, the EV market will only have room for cars that can really hack it—or which automakers are willing to subsidize themselves.
Judging by the communication VW sent to dealers and that a spokesperson shared with us, the model isn’t being canceled outright.
“The ID. Buzz continues to serve as an important halo product for the Volkswagen brand, and safeguarding its market presence remains a top priority. Following a careful assessment of current EV market conditions, we have made the strategic decision not to move forward with MY26 ID. Buzz production for the U.S. market,” the memo reads. “This approach allows us to focus our resources more effectively on current inventory and supporting your retail performance throughout the remainder of MY25, ensuring a strong foundation as we prepare for the MY27 transition next year.”
In recent months, many automakers have been reconsidering their EV plans, delaying planned models and cutting the fat in their lineups. In the last couple of months, the Ford F-150 Lightning, Acura ZDX and Nissan Ariya were all canceled. And it seems like the ID. Buzz’s hiatus probably won’t be the last shakeup we see.
Contact the author: Tim.Levin@InsideEVs.com
