The Smallest Camper in the World Charges Itself by Driving | Carscoops

      Despite its compact size, the 1:87 scale model of the VW ID. Buzz operates with an electric motor and includes functional lights.

      16 hours ago

      By Thanos Pappas

      VW has unveiled a small ID. Buzz camper that is now part of the Miniatur Wunderland model collection.

      The 1:87 scale van navigates a miniature city while towing a detailed caravan.

      Over 200 hours of labor went into creating this electric-powered and self-charging model.

      Even at 1:87 scale, Volkswagen’s passion for campers remains strong. From the legendary T1 to the contemporary all-electric ID. Buzz, the brand has dedicated decades to transforming road trips into a lifestyle, now condensing that vision into something small enough to fit in your sock drawer. The latest creation inspired by the ID. Buzz is a fully operational scale model driving through Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland, towing a tiny caravan.

      Creating a micro-camper of this size is challenging, but this model does more than just sit decoratively. It drives, lights up, and performs all the functions you would expect from a real EV, only in a version small enough to hold in your palm. After nearly 200 hours of detailed work, the miniature Buzz finally made its debut on the track for its first journey.

      Engineering in a Smaller Scale

      The mini caravan and roof rack are not merely decorative; they play a vital role in housing all the mechanical components that couldn’t fit inside the scale ID. Buzz itself. Nevertheless, the model remains impressively true to its real-world counterpart, complete with its cheerful yellow and white color scheme.

      Power is supplied by a tiny electric motor operating on a 4-volt system. And since even small vehicles need to recharge, this model autonomously drives to a custom charging station when its battery is low. It recharges in 30 minutes, using its side mirrors as charging connectors, embodying the clever over-engineering you’d expect from a place called Miniatur Wunderland.

      According to Volkswagen, this is the smallest moving vehicle in Knuffingen’s fully automated road traffic network, and the only one towing a camper. The fictional city is part of Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland, Germany’s most visited tourist destination, which features over 1,200 trains and 16 kilometers (10 miles) of meticulously detailed track and scenery.

      Additionally, VW is prominently featured beyond the Buzz. One of the model trains includes 1:87 scale Polo hatchbacks, celebrating the car’s 50th anniversary.

      The tiny minivan is modeled after the ID. Buzz from the #BULLILOVEstories initiative, which has traveled over 125,000 km (77,671 miles) across 41 countries. Presenter Christian Schluter has spent more than 220 nights in the vehicle, gathering stories about the iconic VW Bus.

      Interestingly, VW is monitoring the distance traveled by the miniature ID. Buzz camper in Miniatur Wunderland, converting that distance to scale to see if it exceeds the mileage of the original. Additionally, the company has hidden another miniature ID. Buzz within the Hamburg facility as an Easter egg for visitors.