VW ID. Buzz: A trip around the world, then straight to TÜV
After its world tour through 92 countries, over more than 92,000 kilometers, and around 300 charging cycles, Rainer Zietlow's ID. Buzz has returned to Hanover, where the electric van was first greeted in a very German way – by the TÜV.
The VW ID. Buzz completed around 300 charging cycles during its more than 92,000-kilometer world tour.
Image: TMN
While most people return from a world trip with a full passport and questionable fridge magnets, Rainer Zietlow’s VW ID. Buzz brought back something rather different: kilometres. Since its departure on 1 July 2025 from Hannover, the electric campervan has traversed 92 countries and covered more than 92,000 kilometres. Upon returning home, however, there was no rest for the weary—instead, it went straight to a technical inspection at TÜV Nord.
The appointment was to secure recognition from Guinness World Records, it had to be proven that the same ID. Buzz had indeed returned — the very one that TÜV Nord had inspected before its departure in June 2025. The inspectors therefore focused particularly on the essential components of the powertrain.
The results concluded that the ID. Buzz had remained in its original condition with all of its critical components. TÜV Nord has certified this accordingly, allowing the evidence to be used in the ongoing record verification process.
VW ID. Buzz at 95.75% SoH after 92,000 km
For electric vehicle drivers, the state of the high-voltage battery is likely more interesting than the question of identity. TÜV Nord examined this using its Onboard Car Diagnosis (OBCD). This determines the State of Health (SoH), which describes the current health of the battery relative to its new condition.
After more than 92,000 kilometres, the world-travelling Buzz registers an SoH of 95.75%. According to TÜV Nord, the vehicle completed around 300 charging cycles during its journey — under widely varying climatic conditions and with correspondingly diverse charging infrastructure.
However, this value cannot be directly equated with the remaining range. An SoH of 95.75% does not automatically mean that the ID. Buzz has lost exactly 4.25% of its original range. Instead, the figure serves as an indicator of the diagnosed condition of the high-voltage battery and also depends on the respective measurement method.
The battery’s health was not only looked at by TÜV Nord upon its returen – the automotive standards organisation had been monitoring the battery during the world trip, when the data could be continuously exported. In the event of technical issues, the driver also had access to an on-call service, according to the inspection provider. Along the route, Zietlow made stops at TÜV Nord locations in Singapore and Brazil, among others.
The VW ID. Buzz rewards a closer look
As impressive as 95.75% SoH after 92,000 kilometres may sound, a single ID. Buzz naturally cannot replace a standardised battery endurance test. Driving profiles, charging power, temperatures, and downtimes differ from controlled test conditions. The condition of this vehicle therefore cannot be extrapolated to the entire model series.
This is also relevant because Volkswagen had to initiate a major battery recall for its MEB models in the spring. Globally, 74,579 ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo vehicles were affected, along with 19,452 Cupra Born. In the affected vehicles, individual modules of the high-voltage battery could deviate from specifications. According to the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (German Federal Motor Transport Authority), this could lead to range loss, among other issues, and pose a fire risk. However, no incidents involving property damage or personal injury were reported. As part of the recall, Volkswagen is inspecting the battery modules and replacing them if necessary.
For the world-travelling Buzz, however, the individual health check turned out to be remarkably unremarkable. After 92 countries, more than 92,000 kilometres, and around 300 charging cycles, the SoH still stands at 95.75%.
On 14 September, Rainer Zietlow is set to be awarded by Guinness World Records during the IAA Transportation in Hannover for his world record drive, visiting the most countries with a fully electric vehicle. Upon its return, his ID. Buzz had already completed what is arguably the most German of all entry formalities: getting a TÜV checkup.
_Source: Information provided via email_