Pushing the Limits of an EV: Rainer Zietlow’s ID. Buzz Adventure in Singapore

Yesterday, endurance driver Rainer Zietlow rolled into Singapore, yet another milestone on his audacious quest to rewrite the map of electric-vehicle travel.

Behind the wheel was the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the modern reincarnation of VW’s iconic bus, now embarking on one of its most extreme challenges yet.

A Pit Stop That Speaks Volumes

Singapore is not just another dot on the route, it marks a symbolic stop on what may become a Guinness World Record run for the most countries visited by an electric vehicle.

Over the past 84 to 97 days, Zietlow has already traversed 46 countries and covered over 46,400 km in the ID. Buzz, an astonishing proving ground for EV endurance. His arrival at the Volkswagen Centre Singapore was met with curiosity and admiration: a rare left-hand drive ID. Buzz showing up in Singapore, bringing with it tales of long roads, border crossings, charging challenges, and mechanical patience.

Trusting His Tires: No Swap Yet

One of the more astonishing revelations during this journey is that Zietlow has apparently not swapped out the GitiSynergy H2 tyres fitted on the ID. Buzz since the start.

These are the factory-spec tyres, designed especially for EV use: low rolling resistance, reinforced construction, and reliable wet grip. To think that a single set of tyres, subjected to tens of thousands of kilometres, varying climates, rough roads, and weather extremes, has held up without replacement is a bold testament to both tyre engineering and the cautious, disciplined driving required for such a journey.

What This Run Means for EVs

Zietlow’s expedition pushes the envelope not just of his personal resolve, but of what we assume electric vehicles can do. Every leg of the journey, rain, mountain passes, remote stretches, tests the limits of battery range, charging infrastructure, network compatibility, and mechanical durability. And so far, the ID. Buzz continues to deliver.

In Singapore, Zietlow’s arrival underscores how far EV technology has matured: an electric “bus” can now dream of global conquest, not just city runs. The fact that he leans on original tyres throughout, resists mid-journey replacements, and persists through logistical challenges paints a picture of an EV ecosystem evolving from experimental to robust.

Zietlow is no stranger to adversity. Yet his confidence remains firm with eight Guinness World Records already under his belt (in altitude, long-distance runs, and EV feats), Zietlow is no one-time stunt driver.

Looking Ahead

From Singapore, this journey presses onward, towards countries in Africa, Australia, the Middle East and beyond.

If all goes according to plan, the expedition will claim a new Guinness record for the most countries visited by an EV.

But regardless of the final tally, yesterday’s Singapore pit stop is a vivid illustration: with careful design, strategic preparation, and unyielding resolve, an electric vehicle can transcend its perceived limitations. Zietlow and the ID. Buzz are charting new territory, for himself, for Volkswagen, and for what EVs may promise in years to come.