Volkswagen's brand manager admits departure from using "ID." in their vehicle names.
Volkswagen Ditches "ID." Naming Convention for Electric Vehicles
Volkswagen is making a significant shift in its electric vehicle (EV) naming strategy, moving away from the "ID." designation and replacing it with names that align with their existing model identities.
The change is evident in the upcoming 2026 Volkswagen ID.4, which will be rebranded as the Electric Tiguan. This move marks a departure from the "ID." numeric naming convention and a step towards more familiar model names with an electric prefix.
While models like the ID. Buzz, an electric van inspired by the classic VW Bus, still carry the ID. name, Volkswagen is moving towards more traditional and recognizable names to emphasize their established vehicle lineages as they expand their EV offerings.
The overall strategy appears to be integrating electric vehicles into Volkswagen’s broader lineup with more conventional model names instead of a standalone "ID." sub-brand.
The decision to phase out the ID. designation was announced by CEO Thomas Schäfer at a works meeting. Reports about adapted or new model designations for VW's electric cars have been circulating for some time.
In addition, it is rumored that VW's particularly sporty electric cars will be marketed in the future in the form of GTI and R versions. Originally, the new designation GTX was introduced for this purpose.
Following the ID.3, an SUV, a crossover, a sedan, a station wagon, and a minibus have been introduced under the ID. brand. Some speculate that the ID. 2all, announced for 2026, could be a Polo. Stefan Reindl from the Institute for Automotive Economics believes that a Polo with electric drive is clearer, more emotional, and more brand-true than an ID.2.
Helena Wisbert, an automotive economics professor at Ostfalia University, believes that customers did not warm to the ID. designations. She suggests that VW should use names associated with VW promises like reliability, durability, and timeless design.
Thomas Schäfer also emphasized the importance of "iconic names" and stated that they should not be forgotten. The upcoming electric city car from Volkswagen will not follow the current naming convention and will not be called VW ID.2, signalling a commitment to this new direction.
In summary, Volkswagen is phasing out the "ID." designation for its electric vehicles and replacing it with new names based on the lineup’s SUV and other model identities, aiming to integrate electric vehicles into their broader lineup with more conventional model names.
- Volkswagen is moving towards more traditional and recognizable names, such as Electric Tiguan, for their electric vehicles to emphasize their established vehicle lineages.
- Reports suggest that VW's sportier electric cars might be marketed as GTI and R versions, although the new designation GTX was initially introduced for this purpose.
- Some speculate that the ID. 2all, announced for 2026, could be a Polo, potentially replacing the ID.2 designation.
- Volkswagen's CEO, Thomas Schäfer, stressed the significance of "iconic names" and noted that they should not be ignored, hinting at changes for future electric city cars.
