They have existing customer bases who might be resistant to change. They have dealerships to appease. And they have to balance tradition with innovation in a way that startups simply don’t. But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from their mistakes and adapt.
So, the ID. Tiguan might not be the most exciting name for an electric crossover. But it’s a step in the right direction. It’s familiar. It’s recognizable. And it’s a clear signal that Volkswagen is serious about electric vehicles and wants to make them as appealing and accessible as possible.
And who knows, maybe in a few years, we’ll look back at names like ID. Tiguan and wonder why we ever thought they were boring. Maybe we’ll appreciate the simplicity and clarity they bring to the electric vehicle market. Maybe we’ll even see them as a badge of honor, a sign that we were there when the industry was still finding its way.
Only time will tell. But for now, let’s give Volkswagen credit for making a smart move. Let’s hope other automakers follow suit. And let’s keep our fingers crossed that the next generation of electric vehicles will be just as innovative and exciting as their names are simple and familiar.
This shift towards more intuitive and streamlined naming conventions is a welcome change in the automotive industry. Relying on decades-old nameplates can indeed add meaning and trust, as customers often have strong associations with certain model names. On the other hand, convoluted branding can confuse or alienate buyers, making it harder for them to navigate through a brand’s lineup.
It’s encouraging to see automakers like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz taking steps to simplify their naming strategies, especially in the realm of electric vehicles where clarity and transparency are crucial. By aligning their electric models with their existing gas-powered lineup, these companies are making it easier for consumers to understand the size and positioning of their vehicles.
Volkswagen’s decision to move away from number-based model names in favor of more recognizable names from its gas-powered lineup is a smart move. This not only adds coherence to their brand but also helps customers make more informed decisions when choosing between different models.
Mercedes-Benz’s approach of integrating electric models into its existing lineup by adding “with EQ Technology” to standard nameplates was a step in the right direction. However, the decision to simplify this further by potentially adopting alphanumeric names for EVs, with the addition of “Electric” where necessary, shows a commitment to clarity and consistency.
Toyota’s decision to clean up its plug-in hybrid branding by spelling out the names of its models clearly is another example of this trend towards more straightforward naming conventions. By removing ambiguity and clearly indicating the type of technology used in each vehicle, Toyota is making it easier for customers to understand their offerings.
Overall, the shift towards more intuitive naming strategies in the automotive industry is a positive development that benefits both automakers and consumers. By streamlining their branding and aligning it with customer expectations, companies can build trust and loyalty while making it easier for buyers to navigate their product lineup. This renewed focus on clarity and transparency is a welcome change that will likely have a lasting impact on the industry as a whole.
Potential buyers don’t have to keep guessing what “Prime” means anymore. The automotive industry has seen a shift in naming conventions for electric vehicles, making it easier for consumers to understand and differentiate between different models.
One of the biggest changes came last year when Toyota decided to drop the odd bZ4x name for its electric crossover in favor of bZ, which stands for “beyond zero.” This new naming convention is more straightforward and aligns with Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and zero-emission vehicles.
Audi has also made changes to its naming strategy for electric vehicles. Initially, the company planned to use even numbers for electric models and odd numbers for combustion vehicles. However, Audi recently decided to align EVs more closely with their combustion counterparts, simplifying the naming process for consumers. Future electric Audis may have the same name as their combustion siblings, with the addition of the “E-Tron” label.
Volvo took a slightly different approach by resetting its EV naming strategy last year. The XC40 Recharge was renamed the EX40, and this naming pattern will be replicated across all segments with names like EX90, EX60, and EX30. Gas and plug-in hybrid versions will continue to use the “XC” names, providing consistency across the lineup.
While these naming changes may seem minor, they play a significant role in making electric vehicles more familiar and less intimidating to potential buyers. By simplifying naming conventions and aligning electric models with their combustion counterparts, automakers are helping consumers make more informed decisions when choosing an electric vehicle.
It’s possible that these naming conventions may change again in the future as the electric vehicle market continues to evolve. However, for now, potential buyers can rest assured that they no longer have to guess what “Prime” or other confusing names mean when shopping for an electric vehicle.