Day 70+71: Beijing to Yancheng
Highway Innovation and Fatigue Control
As the ID. Buzz continued its journey toward Shanghai, the team encountered one of China’s unique safety innovations. Along certain highway stretches, elevated sign bridges featured full-width laser displays designed to reduce driver fatigue. The vibrant colours and moving light patterns are intended to stimulate alertness, creating a surreal but purposeful driving experience through the night.
Heavy freight traffic added to the atmosphere, with trucks carrying oversized loads of cardboard boxes stacked well above the cabs. Despite the apparent chaos, the motorway logistics functioned with an efficient rhythm that kept everything moving.
Space to Recharge
At sunrise, the crew made time for a short rest inside the ID. Buzz. The van’s spacious interior, with 1.8 metres of flat sleeping area, continues to prove invaluable during long stretches between destinations.
Along the way, many local motorists offered waves and gestures of support. Some stopped to ask about the vehicle and the project, often expressing genuine curiosity. In conversations, locals shared that Germany is sometimes called the “land of virtue” in China, a cultural detail that stood out during roadside interactions.
Consistent Support at Each Stop
City stops throughout the route revealed a consistent and welcoming pattern. Volkswagen dealership teams were well-prepared for the visit, confident during filming, and enthusiastic about the project. Each stop provided an opportunity for overnight charging, typically supported by 7 kW or more through dealership connections.
As the journey moves into eastern China, modern cityscapes begin to take on a familiar rhythm, each one marked by efficient infrastructure, fresh architecture, and reliable support.
Next stop: Shanghai.
