Key Takeaways
1. VW is redesigning its electric car interiors to feature nostalgic elements inspired by classic vehicles from the 1980s, like the Golf 1.
2. The new cockpit will reintroduce physical knobs and buttons, moving away from the trend of minimalistic, buttonless designs seen in other EVs.
3. Studies indicate that physical controls enhance safety while driving, leading VW to recognize the value of tactile buttons over touchscreens.
4. The upcoming ID. Polo will feature a retro-styled instrument cluster and physical buttons, making it VW’s most affordable electric option.
5. VW aims to appeal to car enthusiasts who prefer traditional controls, contrasting with Tesla’s focus on touchscreen interfaces and fewer physical features.
The inside of VW electric cars is about to undergo a significant transformation thanks to a new cockpit design inspired by the classic style of vehicles from the 1980s.
Nostalgic Features
With gauge clusters reminiscent of the Golf 1 and the reintroduction of physical knobs, the new interior is poised to distinguish VW EVs from the sleek, minimalistic designs typical of other electric vehicles like those from Tesla. This shift towards more ergonomic and nostalgic interiors is a clear departure from the common trend of buttonless setups.
Volkswagen has come to recognize that eliminating knobs and physical controls in electric vehicles was a misstep. Numerous studies have shown that physical buttons, along with the muscle memory they foster, provide safer options compared to touchscreens while driving. Additionally, the rising trend of retro aesthetics has led many tech companies to reintroduce knobs and tactile buttons in their products.
Exciting Developments
VW has hinted at the return of physical controls with its concept ID. 2all budget electric vehicle, and this concept is expected to materialize in its upcoming ID. Polo, which will be the automaker’s most affordable electric option when it debuts later this year.
The retro-styled instrument cluster, displayed on a 10-inch screen, appears to have been lifted straight from the iconic VW Golf 1, complete with a vintage digital clock. Accompanying this is a 13-inch infotainment display, featuring a row of physical buttons beneath it, although the cassette tape graphic might be a bit excessive.
A Touch of Tradition
The steering wheel is also filled with buttons, as is the door panel, ensuring that the new ID. Polo appeals to car enthusiasts who favor physical controls over the impersonal touchscreens and flashy LED lights that have come to dominate the interiors of electric vehicles.
Tesla pioneered the trend of eliminating tactile features from its cars, claiming that physical buttons lead to more potential malfunctions. However, this move also saved costs by consolidating controls into a touchscreen interface, leading to the removal of numerous buttons and switches until regulations necessitated their return, like the turn signal stalks. Now, there’s even a new Ctrl-Bar accessory for the Model Y and Model 3 that brings back the tactile feel of physical buttons for those who remain unsure about the ergonomics of Tesla’s touchscreen.
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