The next Volkswagen California will be a plug-in hybrid

Life on the road is about to get a whole lot more efficient as Volkswagen has previewed its next-generation plug-in hybrid California camper.

The German carmaker has been producing the home on wheels for 35 years and it’s due a shake-up as the California will no longer be based on the Transporter but rather the Multivan.

That also means it will inherit a PHEV powertrain, something that Volkswagen says will keep your campsite neighbours undisturbed when you decide to venture off early one morning or arrive late into camp in fully electric mode.

Although the California we see here is a concept, we can safely assume the production version will make use of the same petrol-powered 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, electric motor, and 13kWh lithium-ion battery found in the current generation Multivan, producing 160kW all up.

Much like previous models, the camper concept features a pop-up roof that extends the vehicle’s height by nearly two metres, allowing occupants to fully stand up inside. From the drawing, it appears the new California will feature awnings on either side.

The roof console will also come with a new touchscreen that can control the camper’s various settings and display a “wide range” of information. It can also be used as a tablet.

The Volkswagen California Concept will make its public debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf from August 25 to September 3, 2023.