Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz, the flagship model of the brand’s all-electric lineup, is expected to take a break for the 2026 model year. According to a recent report, production of the electric microbus will be paused—at least in North America—meaning no 2026-model-year version is planned. The hiatus has sparked questions about the ID. Buzz’s future for 2027 and beyond, as Volkswagen reportedly prepares a “transition” for the model amid slowing global EV demand.
2026 ID. Buzz Production Reportedly Canceled Amid Dealership Confusion
According to CarScoops, citing a Volkswagen source, the automaker has made “the strategic decision not to move forward with 2026 model-year ID. Buzz production for the U.S. market” after a “careful assessment of current EV market conditions.” The announcement also comes to clarify potential confusion with U.S. dealerships, some of which may have mistakenly advertised that the ID. Buzz was being discontinued entirely.
A recent Reddit thread highlighted that a Volkswagen dealership had reportedly been told the ID. Buzz was being discontinued, with no 2026 models planned, and that existing stock represented the vehicle’s “final availability.” However, Volkswagen’s statement to CarScoops indicates this may have been an internal miscommunication—or possibly a sales tactic to encourage purchases. In any case, the report clarifies that while ID. Buzz production will pause in 2026, the hiatus appears temporary as VW prepares for a “2027 model-year transition.”
“The ID. Buzz continues to serve as an important halo product for the Volkswagen brand, and safeguarding its market presence remains a top priority… 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,” the spokesperson said.
-Volkswagen spokesman via CarScoops
Volkswagen has not provided further details on what this “transition” will entail. Unfortunately, this is not the first time in 2025 that reports have suggested a pause in ID. Buzz production, adding to uncertainty about the model’s near-term future.
Another Blow to an Already Struggling EV Segment
Volkswagen’s swift efforts to quash rumors of the ID. Buzz being discontinued are understandable. While sales of the revived VW icon have lagged behind the brand’s ID.4 and ID.5 electric SUVs—partly due to the U.S. MSRP of $59,995, higher than initially anticipated—the ID. Buzz has remained the division’s flagship, largely thanks to its connection with the legendary 1950s Type 2 microbus. A complete discontinuation of the model would deliver a significant setback for VW at a time when its all-electric lineup is already facing challenges.
As of September, rebates of up to $7,500 for new EVs have been eliminated by the current U.S. administration, leading to a notable drop in the number of potential buyers either planning their next electric vehicle or making the switch for the first time. Rising tariffs on non-U.S.-built vehicles and auto parts have further driven up MSRPs, pushing many customers toward the used car market, where high demand and limited supply have caused prices to spike. The unpredictable tariff landscape—marked by significant fluctuations throughout the year—combined with declining consumer interest, has collectively hit the EV industry hard. Several automakers are now scaling back plans for an all-electric or near-all-electric lineup. Porsche, for instance, confirmed in September that it will prioritize “brand-defining vehicle models,” while Ford recently canceled the highly anticipated F-150 Lightning.
Frustrating as this pause must be for Volkswagen, the brand is likely hoping that interest in its most characterful EV remains strong enough to bridge the gap until a “transition” takes place—potentially introducing a more mainstream model with a competitive price after a one-year hiatus. At the very least, that is surely the plan.
