VW ID. Buzz: Around the world once, then to the inspection
92 countries, over 92,000 kilometers, and around 300 charging cycles: After completing its round-the-world journey, Rainer Zietlow’s ID. Buzz is back in Hannover. There, the electric van was first greeted in a typical German manner: with a TÜV inspection.
The VW ID. Buzz went through around 300 charging cycles during its world tour spanning over 92,000 kilometers.
Image: TMN
Others bring back from a world trip a full passport and questionable fridge magnets. Rainer Zietlow’s VW ID. Buzz, on the other hand, brings back miles: Since its departure in Hannover on July 1, 2025, this electric van has crossed 92 countries and covered over 92,000 kilometers. When it returned home, it didn’t go on a holiday from vacation but straight to a technical inspection at TÜV Nord.
The inspection had a concrete reason: To have the journey recognized by Guinness World Records, it was necessary to prove that it was indeed the same ID. Buzz that had been inspected by TÜV Nord before departing in June 2025. Therefore, the inspectors focused particularly on the key components of the propulsion system.
The result: The ID. Buzz remains in its original condition in the critical areas. TÜV Nord has confirmed this, allowing the evidence to be used in subsequent record-keeping procedures.
For electric vehicle owners, however, the condition of the high-voltage battery is likely more interesting than the identity issue. TÜV Nord examined this using its Onboard Car Diagnosis (OBCD) system, which determines the State of Health (SoH), indicating the battery’s current condition relative to its new state.
After over 92,000 kilometers, the SoH of this world-traveling Buzz is 95.75 percent. According to TÜV Nord, the vehicle completed around 300 charging cycles during its journey under very varied weather conditions and with differing charging infrastructure.
However, this value cannot be directly equated to the remaining range. A SoH of 95.75 percent does not necessarily mean that the ID. Buzz has lost exactly 4.25 percent of its original range. Instead, this value serves as an indicator of the diagnosed condition of the high-voltage battery and also depends on the specific measurement method used.
TÜV Nord also monitored the battery not only after returning. During the world tour, its readings could be taken continuously. According to the testing service provider, the driver also had access to emergency support in case of technical issues. Along the route, Zietlow stopped at TÜV-Nord locations in Singapore and Brazil, among others.
The VW ID. Buzz deserves a second look
No matter how impressive 95.75 percent after 92,000 kilometers may sound, a single ID. Buzz certainly doesn’t replace a standardized battery life test. Driving patterns, charging rates, temperatures, and usage durations differ from those in controlled testing conditions. Therefore, the condition of this vehicle cannot be generalized to the entire model series.
This is also relevant because Volkswagen had to launch a larger battery recall for its MEB models in the spring. Worldwide, 74,579 ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID. Buzz, and ID. Buzz Cargo vehicles were affected, along with 19,452 Cupra Born models. In these vehicles, individual modules of the high-voltage battery could deviate from specifications. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, this could result in reduced range and posed a fire risk. However, no incidents causing property or personal injury have been reported. As part of the recall, Volkswagen is inspecting the battery modules and replacing them if necessary.
For the World Travel Buzz, the individual health check turns out to be quite unremarkable. After visiting 92 countries, traveling over 92,000 kilometers, and completing around 300 charging cycles, its SoH still reads at 95.75 percent.
On September 14, Rainer Zietlow is set to receive an award from Guinness World Records at the IAA Transportation in Hannover for his world record drive covering the most countries with a fully electric vehicle. Upon returning home, his ID. Buzz has already gone through what is likely the most “German” of all import procedures: it underwent inspection at TÜV.
_Source: Information via email_