Lee Wilson, an enthusiast of electric vehicles and adventure travel, has completed an extraordinary 8,222-mile (13,232 km) road trip across the entire United States in his distinctive all-wheel-drive (AWD) orange Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This ambitious journey, spanning approximately 8,500 miles according to Wilson’s own summary, has provided compelling evidence that concerns about electric vehicle (EV) range and charging infrastructure are increasingly becoming a relic of the past for long-distance travel. Wilson’s experience, accumulated over roughly 26,000 miles of ownership since acquiring the ID. Buzz a year and a half prior, suggests that even an EV with a real-world range of around 230 miles can be a highly practical and enjoyable choice for cross-country expeditions, provided the charging network is accessible.
A Journey Redefining Road Trip Rhythms
The core of Wilson’s narrative revolves around a fundamental shift in how he approached long-distance driving. Instead of the traditional, often grueling, marathon of miles, he adopted a more relaxed and exploratory cadence. The strategy involved stopping approximately every two hours. These intervals were not solely dictated by the need to charge but also served as opportunities for a refreshing stretch, a chance to sample local coffee, and to engage with the communities they encountered. This deliberate pacing, Wilson asserts, transformed the journey from a race against time into a deeply relaxing and enriching experience.
This approach directly counters the mindset of what the interviewer jokingly termed the "Iron Bladder Brigade" – drivers who prioritize covering maximum distance with minimal stops. Wilson’s philosophy champions the idea that the journey itself, with its inherent pauses and discoveries, is as significant as the destination. The ID. Buzz, with its spacious interior and versatile capabilities, proved to be the ideal companion for this new paradigm of road travel.
Overcoming the Perceived EV Range Anxiety
A significant revelation from Wilson’s extensive trip is his assertion that charging infrastructure was far less of a hurdle than anticipated. While acknowledging that electric vehicle charging networks are still evolving, his cross-country traversal encountered very few significant challenges. The only instances where charging options were limited to a single station occurred in remote areas of northern Utah and New Mexico. Crucially, both of these chargers were operational and met their needs.
Beyond these isolated instances, Wilson found charging stations to be readily available across diverse regions, including the historically less EV-centric areas of New England, Alabama, and Montana. The ID. Buzz’s advertised range of approximately 230 miles, coupled with this expanding network of charging points, proved to be more than sufficient for their cross-country itinerary, allowing for travel without major disruptions or the need for extensive detours. This finding is particularly noteworthy given the rapid expansion of charging solutions by companies like Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo, which are actively addressing the infrastructure gaps in more remote locales.
The ID. Buzz: A Flexible Companion for Diverse Adventures
Wilson’s preparation for the trip emphasized flexibility, a key factor in maximizing the utility of the ID. Buzz. He opted for a removable Peace Vans kitchen box and a modular sleeping setup rather than undertaking a permanent camper van conversion. This decision allowed him and his companions to seamlessly transition between different modes of accommodation: camping directly in the van, staying with friends, or opting for hotel stays when desired. This adaptability is a testament to the ID. Buzz’s inherent versatility, catering to a wide range of travel styles.
Furthermore, the addition of a refrigerator emerged as a standout feature, described by Wilson as a "game changer." The ability to transport perishable goods, such as cream from Utah to West Virginia without spoilage, significantly enhanced the van’s functionality. It allowed the ID. Buzz to transcend its role as mere transportation and become an integral part of their lifestyle and travel experience, offering the convenience of a mobile kitchen and pantry. This highlights a growing trend in the EV market where vehicles are designed to be more than just a means of getting from point A to point B, but rather integrated tools for living and exploring.
Embracing Local Flavor: A Daily Ritual
To further enhance the memorability of their road trip, Wilson and his group established small, personal rules. Building on previous road trip traditions that included avoiding chain restaurants and adhering to the speed limit, their cross-country journey adopted a new daily ritual: seeking out local coffee shops. This practice not only provided a consistent source of fresh caffeine but also served as a unique way to engage with different towns and cities across the nation. The collection of stickers from these various coffee establishments became tangible souvenirs of their adventure.
Among the many local coffee spots visited, Clarity Coffee in Oklahoma City received a special commendation for its exceptional coffee quality and the welcoming demeanor of its staff. This focus on local businesses and experiences underscores a broader theme of conscious travel, where the economic and cultural impact of their journey was considered.
The Appeal of the ID. Buzz: Beyond Transportation
Wilson’s appreciation for the ID. Buzz extends beyond its practical capabilities. He describes a particular enjoyment in what he terms "sharking around town" – a reference to the van’s quiet, low-speed cruising capabilities. This allows for a serene and observant mode of urban exploration, with the confidence of readily available power for any situation. This characteristic, often associated with electric vehicles, transforms mundane errands into a more engaging experience.
The van’s distinctive design also proved to be a constant source of fascination and positive interaction. Its unique aesthetic garners attention almost everywhere it goes, leading to spontaneous conversations with curious onlookers. Even a U.S. border guard was so captivated by the ID. Buzz that a routine inspection evolved into an impromptu vehicle tour. This enduring public interest, even after a year and a half of ownership, speaks to the vehicle’s iconic status and its ability to spark conversations and connections.
A Strategic Comparison: Value Beyond Price Tag
The discussion around the ID. Buzz’s price point led Wilson to reframe the common comparisons. He argues that direct comparisons to inexpensive minivans are misleading. A well-equipped modern minivan, such as a Honda Odyssey, can easily reach the $50,000 to $55,000 range. Instead, Wilson posits that the ID. Buzz’s true market comparison lies with commercial vehicles like the Ford Transit.
Given that a similarly sized and equipped Transit can approach $80,000, the ID. Buzz, as a product of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, presents a compelling value proposition. This perspective shifts the focus from a simple consumer appliance to a robust, purpose-built vehicle with commercial underpinnings, offering a blend of utility and innovation.
A Glimpse into the Future of Adventure Travel
The overarching message from Lee Wilson’s epic 8,222-mile journey is clear: the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a remarkably capable and enjoyable vehicle for long-distance, adventurous travel. His experience powerfully demonstrates that the range limitations of EVs are becoming increasingly manageable, especially when integrated into a travel rhythm that embraces exploration and discovery. The ID. Buzz’s combination of spaciousness, AWD capability, adaptable camping features, onboard refrigeration, and its undeniably iconic design positions it not just as an electric vehicle, but as a lifestyle and travel tool.
The trip’s standout moment, the "quietly stunning" Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota, with its buffalo, wild horses, and expansive vistas, served as a profound reminder of the beauty and significance of America’s natural landscapes. The park’s historical resonance, as a place where Theodore Roosevelt found solace and established a ranch, added another layer of depth to their exploration. Spending a significant portion of their day traversing the park in the ID. Buzz underscored the vehicle’s suitability for accessing and experiencing remote and awe-inspiring environments.
This journey, documented and shared through the TTAC Creators Series, amplifies the voices and stories of individuals pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. It serves as an inspiration for anyone considering an electric vehicle for their next grand adventure, proving that with careful planning and an open mind, the road ahead in an EV is not only feasible but can be profoundly rewarding. The ID. Buzz, in orange, has undoubtedly carved its own unique path in the annals of American road trips.
