Traveling the world by car is no longer a new feat, but doing so with a fully electric vehicle poses a series of challenges that are only just beginning to be explored.

In this context, German Rainer Zietlow, a veteran of extreme automotive journeys and holder of eight Guinness records, has launched a new adventure. His goal: to complete a round-the-world trip at the wheel of a Volkswagen ID. Buzz 100% electric.

The idea is not only to beat a personal record, but also to demonstrate that electric cars can go as far as combustion cars, even in remote terrain or regions with limited infrastructure.

For Zietlow, 55, this is not an isolated feat, but a message he wants to take to every continent: that emission-free mobility is possible, even under the most demanding conditions.

The symbolic starting point of this journey was the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hanover, Germany, although the tour will formally begin in New Zealand, covering more than 75 countries.

The journey is scheduled to last more than eight months, depending on logistical factors such as customs clearance and maritime transfers.

“The 86 kWh battery of the ID. Buzz gives us a range of more 400 kilometers on a single charge, so I can also cover stages on less-traveled sections of the route,” Zietlow explained before setting off.

A repowered Volkswagen ID. Buzz

On this trip, he will be using a production version of the ID. Buzz equipped with an additional charger capable of accepting high-voltage alternating current (up to 125 A) and converting it into direct current ?ideal for places where fast chargers are unavailable.

With more than 110 countries under his belt, Zietlow is no stranger to these kinds of challenges. In fact, he already had some previous experience with the ID. Buzz on an expedition to Qatar. “I’m not a company driver, I drive on my own and at my own risk, but with the support of my partners,” he added.

This journey not only serves as a demonstration of endurance and confidence, it’s also an opportunity for Volkswagen to showcase the strength of its electric proposition.

This was made clear by Lars Krause, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, when he stated: “We are very impressed that Rainer has the courage and experience to undertake a world tour like this with our electric vehicle. I myself travel long distances with the ID. Buzz and I can confirm that charging is no longer a problem, at least in Europe.”

In this regard, Volkswagen has made logistical provisions to support Zietlow’s trip.

The manufacturer assures that the supply of spare parts for the ID. Buzz is guaranteed, as the model is actively marketed in key markets through which the adventurer will travel: the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan, among others.

Beyond the distances or geographical obstacles, the story of this expedition has a strong symbolic charge. The ID. Buzz, a vehicle that draws on the legacy of the classic Volkswagen Kombi, becomes the standard-bearer of an era of transition toward a sustainable future. "With their tour, Rainer's team will undoubtedly inspire many people to switch to a fully electric vehicle," Krause emphasized.

Those interested in following each stage of this round-the-world trip can do so on the project's official website: www.idbuzz-worldtour.com. There, the vehicle's location will be updated in real time, and reports on the various stages of the journey will be published.