The Future of Campervans? Volkswagen Unveils Its First Plug-In Hybrid California
- Jun 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Campervan travel has always been about freedom—the open road, the wild coastline, the ability to stop anywhere and call it home. But now, it’s also becoming about something else: sustainability.
Volkswagen, the brand behind some of the most iconic campervans of all time, has just taken a bold step forward with the release of their first-ever plug-in hybrid campervan, the California Multivan PHEV. This isn't just a tweak to their design; it’s a shift in how we think about van life in a rapidly changing world.
As someone who has been immersed in the world of campervans for years—restoring them, converting them, and living the lifestyle—this feels like a turning point worth paying attention to.
What Is It, Exactly?
The new model is based on Volkswagen’s Multivan platform, a sleeker, more car-like successor to the traditional Transporter. The California Multivan PHEV blends an electric motor with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering a combined output of 215 bhp. It offers around 50 km of electric-only driving, perfect for short trips, errands, or eco-friendly arrivals at a quiet campsite.
This isn’t a fully electric camper, but it’s a meaningful bridge between tradition and the all-electric future that’s undoubtedly coming.
What You Get Inside
Despite being smaller than the beloved California Ocean, the Multivan California doesn’t skimp on the essentials. You’ll still find the things that make these vans special:
A pop-up roof with sleeping space
Convertible seating for dining or lounging
A compact kitchen setup with an induction hob, sink, and fridge
Clever storage solutions and a thoughtful layout
Volkswagen clearly understands that hybrid or not, a camper still needs to feel like home. While space is a bit tighter than the T6.1 or older California models, the layout is designed to be more flexible—ideal for urban explorers and minimalist adventurers.
Why It Matters
This is more than just a new van—it’s a sign of where things are heading.
In Europe, low-emission zones and eco-taxes are slowly changing how we travel. Many cities are becoming less friendly to diesel engines, and as awareness around climate impact grows, travellers are looking for greener alternatives.
By releasing a plug-in hybrid camper, VW is showing that it’s possible to balance sustainability with adventure. You don’t have to give up your love of the open road—you just need to evolve with it.
For those of us building custom campers, this also opens up new ideas:
How can we integrate hybrid tech with solar panels and battery banks?
Will fully electric camper conversions become more practical in the next few years?
Can we find ways to support both rugged off-grid explorers and eco-minded city travellers?
These are the kinds of challenges we’re excited to explore.
Is It for Everyone?
Not quite—at least not yet.
The Multivan California is likely to appeal most to weekend warriors, families doing shorter trips, or vanlifers who stay within range of plug-in infrastructure. It’s ideal for urban-based campers who want the flexibility of electric driving without the anxiety of limited range.
For those of us who enjoy wild camping off the beaten path, relying on solar and going days without a plug, diesel or traditional petrol setups still make more sense—for now.
But this hybrid camper does point the way forward, and as infrastructure improves, we expect more hybrid and fully electric vans to follow.
What It Means for Trekvana Campers
At Trekvana Campers, we’ve always been focused on creating vans that suit how people really live, travel, and explore Ireland. That means staying open to innovation while still respecting what works.
This hybrid VW California might not be the right fit for every traveller—but it’s a clear signal that change is on the horizon, and it’s something we’re actively preparing for.
We’re already looking at ways to integrate more eco-conscious features into our builds—lithium batteries, low-draw appliances, and solar setups that can reduce reliance on fossil fuels. And who knows? Maybe one day soon we’ll be converting hybrid vans ourselves.
Final Thoughts
The VW California has always been a symbol of freedom—and now it’s becoming a symbol of the future. Whether you're into vintage split screens or curious about the next generation of electric campers, there’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the campervan world.
If you're ready to explore Ireland in a van that suits your style—classic or cutting-edge—Trekvana Campers is here to help you build the journey.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Explore our current vans for sale, or get in touch to chat about your dream conversion. Ireland is waiting—and your next adventure starts with the right van.
Let’s build something incredible.
Disclaimer
This blog post is inspired by publicly available information and news reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content, technical specifications and availability may change. Please refer to official Volkswagen sources or your local dealer for the most current and detailed information.
