A Volkswagen ID. Buzz traveled around the world for 445 days, through 92 countries across six continents without a technical breakdown. With support from Volkswagen and other partners, the expedition covered 61,992 miles (99,767 kilometers). The journey demonstrated the potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in long-distance travel, even in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
A Global Journey Without Technical Issues
The trip, led by Rainer Zietlow, a German long-distance driver and founder of Challenge4, spanned 445 days and six continents. Volkswagen reports that the journey involved over 300 charging stops and concluded without a single breakdown. The ID. Buzz traveled through diverse environments, from Zambia to Rwanda, and required 16 container ship crossings.
Zietlow’s route began at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Hanover customer center in July 2025 and ended at the city’s IAA Transportation show in September 2026. At the end, a Guinness representative presented the award for the most countries visited during a continuous journey in an electric vehicle.
Charging Challenges and Global EV Infrastructure
One of the primary challenges was charging the ID. Buzz in countries with less developed EV infrastructure. In Zambia and Tanzania, Zietlow had to plug directly into national electrical substations under supervision due to the absence of dedicated EV chargers. In contrast, countries like South Africa, Morocco, and Rwanda offered more accessible charging options. At a Rwandan airport located at an altitude of around 6,600 feet (2,000 meters), Zietlow encountered a fleet of ID. Buzz vans being used as shuttle taxis.
Zietlow noted significant variations in EV infrastructure globally. He praised Saudi Arabia’s network, which he compared to Germany’s, and highlighted the progress in Brazil and Chile. China, he said, is in a league of its own. With careful planning, long-distance EV travel can avoid issues like contaminated fuel, oil changes, and combustion engine problems.
Battery Health and EV Potential
The ID. Buzz’s battery health was measured at 95.75% after the trip, showcasing its durability. The ID. Buzz, like all EVs, has its limitations, such as reduced range in cold weather. When tested on a road trip from Ohio to Michigan, the ID. Buzz delivered around 230 miles of real-world range at an average speed of 64 mph (103 km/h), almost matching its EPA rating. Overall, this is a very encouraging result for both the ID. Buzz and EVs in general.
