Naming cars is hard. For every Thunderbird and 4Runner, there’s something that gets lost in the shuffle, and that’s usually some sort of alphanumeric. The McLaren MP4-12C was a proper supercar, but it had the name of a dishwasher. At the same time, does any member of the general public know how big a Polestar 5 is? What happens when Kia runs out of numbers to put after “EV”? See what I mean. Thankfully, another automaker has seen the light. Volkswagen seems to have realized that its EV naming scheme of ID. and then a number was kind of foolish, and it’s determined to change.
For the most part, automakers historically haven’t been great at naming electric cars. A few years ago, there was this virtually industry-wide trend that EVs would be their own model ranges with their own identities, and that’s how we got names like the virtually incomprehensible Toyota bZ4X, oddly-sequenced Polestar 4, and yes, the Volkswagen ID.4. Character soup like this can work when you’re only selling one EV, but expand that lineup and things get lost in the shuffle. Clearly, something needs to change.
A couple of years ago, Volkswagen showed off an electric hatchback concept. It was small, it was sensible, it looked great, and it addressed loads of complaints about physical controls and potential production cost. The only problem is that it was called the ID. 2all, which sounds like the British government’s idea of cyber regulation, and could potentially cause a search engine problem as all sorts of people insert an unnecessary space or take one away. Thankfully, names can change before production, and this one has. Volkswagen is showing off a camouflaged prototype of the production car at IAA Munich this year, and it comes with an announcement. As CEO Thomas Schäfer said:
Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds. They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning.
Yep, the ID. 2all is becoming the ID. Polo, because most of the world already knows what the Polo is. It’s a hugely successful subcompact car, with more than 13 million sold over the model name’s run. Perhaps the dam started to break with the ID. Buzz, as last I checked, “Buzz” doesn’t have a direct Arabic numeral depiction.
There’s another good reason to go with names over numbers: The ID.3 is a tall hatchback, and the ID.4 is a compact crossover. If Volkswagen wanted to make, say, an electric subcompact crossover, what number would it get? An ID.3.5 would just sound like a variant of the ID.3 and seems like a largely nonsensical name, so replacing numbers with model names just makes sense. Indeed, the company’s future subcompact electric crossover will be the ID. Cross as it’s the battery-powered equivalent to the T-Cross.
Names for EVs just make sense. Mercedes-Benz is pivoting back with new electric cars like the CLA with EQ Technology, Ford has always been on that wave, including piggybacking an electric crossover using the Mustang name, and even Toyota has been simplifying. For most markets, the bZ4X is now simply the bZ. It’s about time more EV model names started having more clarity, and Volkswagen likely won’t be the last to revise its naming strategy.
Top graphic image: Volkswagen
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It seems a lot of the goofy EV naming was an attempt to be Tesla, which is not the compelling proposition to investors that it used to be. It is a shame VW is switching to FWD on EVs when there is no cost savings. I only got my ID.3 because it is RWD (and $25K a year old with minimal miles). But if someone can get a mid-engine, RWD EV Polo then what is the point of a mid-engine, RWD EV Cayman.
At least when it was originally announced, the ID.2 FWD platform was meant for smaller cars (ID.2, ID.1 and their crossover and sedan variants) because in that size class, FWD still has certain packaging, handling and cost benefits. Per that announcement, cars ID.3 sized and up would continue to largely be RWD (although a few FWD sedan/crossover models would probably run into those classes as well).
Why ID at all? A Polo is a Polo.
Hyundai has a similar issue, with the Ioniq 5 being a crossover/tall hatch and the Ioniq 6 a sedan. Feels very random and mismatched.
The Ioniq 5 on it’s own makes sense, with it’s 5-door hatchback form factor. The Ioniq 6? Yeah, not sure how it’s supposed to relate (it’s longer, I guess, but then what if you want to build a bigger crossover? Do you start doing evens/odds like Audi did with the sedans/coupes?)
Well the new 3-row CUV is the Ioniq 9, we’ll see where they go from there. I assume most vehicles will be smaller than a 3-row, so they saved 7 and 8 for that. I have a feeling the Ioniq brand-line will shift at some point. Every EV sharing the same base name is odd to me but I understand it (kinda) during this transition period.
The Fiat 500 has just entered the conversation.
It’s funny you say that, my original comment was “Maybe they can go the dumber route and call it the Ioniq 5L” before I checked what the EV9 was re-branded as for Hyundai.
Nice! Fiat is either really lazy or just determined to make their car model name as confusing or forgettable as possible for shits and giggles. Perhaps they’re under the delusion that they are Porsche and have the same dedicated and detail-oriented fans as the 911 does to figure it out.????
A new VW naming scheme is a great ID.
I’m just here for the camo wrap.
Marco!
But, but, these are not car companies. They are tech companies. Everything gets named with a password generator.
ID.Meh
They should just drop the id thing, Chevrolet sells the Blazer/Equinox/Silverado right next to the ev models and don’t think a lot of folks get confused.
Polo is a great pick though, like the graphics too.
Yeah, no reason EVs need weird names. We already have models with multiple powertrain options. The RAV4, for example, has the gasser, hybrid, and PHEV (and they even dropped the Prime designation). It would not be hard to just add RAV4 EV to the list, and every brand could do that without issue.
Especially since Volkswagen is one of the automakers most committed to an entirely electric range – once that happens, any special sub-brand created to differentiate EVs would just wind up being identical to the main brand
And they’d get the reverse cool factor in 20 years when non-EVs are a novelty: introducing the Polo Ice!
With an 8-track player, because that’s the logical next obsolete media format for the kids to suddenly decide they like
The new love for cassettes is puzzling. Of all the major form factors extant in the 1980s, it’s objectively the worst. The world of music lovers was so relieved when CDs happened, and then burnable CDs. Let cassettes remain dead.
Seriously, I always remembered cassettes (and VHS) as annoying things we put up with because we had to. Even in the moment, the shortcomings were recognizable
Right? Nearly impossible to skip to the next song reliably, sound that degraded after every play, tape unspooling at the drop of a hat, casing melting, tiny art, and relatively large. Terrible, terrible media.
Glad to read the weird ID naming is getting reworked. Hopefully it’s part of a plan to eventually completely phase it out when we get to the point where the vast majority of new vehicles sold are BEVs.
Since they’re ditching “ID”, perhaps they need some E.GO instead.
Honestly, I don’t hate E.GO as an EV name. It’s got the unnecessary period to make it look modern and edgy, and E Go is pretty evocative of what EVs do. It’s basically the antithesis of the Chevy Nova in Spanish-speaking markets. 😉
There’s a brand of battery-only power equipment called EGO. Their products are actually pretty good (I’m a repeat buyer), and have allowed me to not have any gas-powered power tools/lawn equipment.
On a somewhat related note, I saw an id.buzz driving around a few weeks ago.
That’s about the most excitement I’ve ever had about an electric VW.
Don’t worry, you’re excitement will be gone when you see the price and crappy range.
There really wasn’t much excitement.
Certainly not enough to even look at VW’s website.
They do look cool in person, as long as they have the two-tone paint, but yeah I’m with you that it’s not enough to go “wow I want one of those!”
They’re super cute.
I think they announced this already — when the ID. EVERY1 concept came out last IAA, they said something to the effect of ‘this name is just a concept, expect real names when this and other ID cars ship.’
I suspect the Mk9 Golf and Mk2 ID.3 will just join on the Golf naming.
I think the biggest issue is there are just too many models for a lot of brands. Does Audi Canada actually need 39 models of cars? Seriously that is how many models Audi offers in Canada. Just looking at the A6, there are four freaking gas models. A6, S6, RS6 Avent, A6 Allroad. There is also the A6 etron EV. You have to remember this is for a low volume sedan …. it is ridiculous.
I also strongly disagree this is an EV only problem. A lot of manufacturers use silly numbers and names with gas engines too. Think BMW with their 3 series, 5 series, 7 series, x1, x3, x5, x7 etc. The challenge is trying to differentiate the various models. It ends up with a veritable alphabet of letters and numbers.
Since I’m feeling saucy, names also present challenges. I dare anyone to name of all the SUVs from smallest to largest across the lineup of GM brands from the top of their head. Some will be able to, most will have no clue. Fortunately, GM wisely decided to just slap EV after their various names for most brands. Equinox/Equinox EV, Blazer/Blazer EV.
In the end, I think a lot of brands need to severely focus/trim their model selections to something more manageable.
Boeing is backing themselves into the same corner with plane names, they’ve only got one real option left that fits their current scheme, unless they re-use an old number from a plane that’s nearly extinct in service (0 or 2). Fortunately, much like Tesla, they’ve decided that developing new models is passe, so they may never have to deal with the issue
Still doesn’t address the issue of the 777 being bigger than the 787
Eh, BMW is mostly sane.
Number = car, x+number = SUV
Odd number = normal, even number = coupe/fastback/sporty
Bigger number is bigger and more expensive than smaller
M suffix = vvv fast and expensive
I’ll grant you the iX and i3 and xM or whatever is nonsense.
I do wish BMW and Mercedes had retained the number engine displacement correspondence.
You basically made the case for why alpha numerics make sense. I doubt 5% of the population could correctly list Kia’s 5 crossovers from largest to smallest. I’d say 95% could figure out BMW’s X series.
I actually don’t mind the Kia and Hyundai EV naming scheme. I was trying to say the problem is too many model variations is a reason for this naming mess.
For example, BMW Canada lists 54 different models on their website. Seriously. That is downright ridiculous for a lower volume manufacturer. They offer way too many variations of each class of vehicle that they dilute their brands focus.
If they cleaned up their lineup naming trims things would be a lot clearer.
Not to beat a dead horse, but cars should have names. If I was in the market for a small hatchback, I’d totally order one with this exterior color (wrap) treatment.
ID. Polo Harle.quin
Why can’t cars just have names? This stuff is stupid.
Because car makers since WW2 have used all the names and still hold the trademarks on them.
The only car names available are the ones used in GTA, and nobody is really going to buy a Buffalo STX.
If the car makers own the trademarks, why not use them? Exactly as VW are doing here with the Polo (no one is going to call it an ‘ID Polo’).
To answer my own question, because people will get all offended when eg Ford make a Mustang which is actually an electric cross-over.
Yeah, that’s exactly why. Whenever they resurrect a model name it seems to annoy everyone.
X720is M xDrive is a stupid name, but at least fanatics can’t cry about it online.
Marketing, especially for luxury brands. They want the focus to be on the brand, not the model.
It works sometimes. Most people don’t care if you drive a 325i or a 530i. They just see “BMW”. Sometimes it doesn’t work. ID.whatever.
Also, everyone thinks they are a luxury brand nowadays. Just look at the prices.
It happens in other industries, too. There’s a reason why cruise lines name their ships (NAME OF LINE) + some other word. They want customers to be brand loyal to Viking, not loyal to the MS Viking Saturn (which is a real thing that used to happen a lot when individual ships were more unique)
Apparently they can’t even have proper rear door handles anymore either.
Names are meaningless words that doesn’t tell a buyer anything about the vehicle. The only way they have value is if they stick around for 5 decades like the Golf.
On the other hand alfa numerics can make things simple.
Audi: A2, A4, A6, A8. Pretty simple for someone to order those from largest to smallest
BMW: X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7. Very logical
no
All these new alphanumeric names just make me think that whoever is in charge of the names must have a cat that likes to walk on their keyboard.
Mercedes has always been the alphabet soup that it feels like everyone else wants to brow-beat themselves down to.
Make it the E-Polo.
Epolo.
Epona.
Your EV boost gauge looks like six carrots…
Thanks, I haven’t hung out with Link in a while, time to revisit.
“Would you like to hear what I said again?”
E-Bola
ID 3 was good name for concept, but shitty name for a basically an new eGolf. And they should have named it so. After that it went all to shit.
I think Skoda had better scheme naming the ID4 variant as Enyaq.
I like Enya, she makes good music. Let’s name a car after her.
We can’t she’d likely sue us.
Throw a Q on the end like Cadillac.
There’s going to be problems until automakers realize they don’t need to scream in your face that a car is an EV. Name EV, ID Name, or eNAME is dumb. You can tell an EV is an EV just by looking at the lack of a normal grill in the front, or lack of exhaust pipes in the back. Basically, you know it’s an EV just by the way that it is.
What happens when Kia runs out of numbers to put after “EV”?
EVinfiniti? No wait . . .
They move on to emoji. EV????, anyone? Maybe that works better as a Tesla.
Edit: Oh, I guess the comments section doesn’t support emoji. Well, insert your own amusing emoji in the ???? above.
🙂
Just put the size of the vehicle followed by the release date then the version like a software release:
Kia ev6.03.09.2025.01.47.136.aplha.rev-0
Or it’s IP address, give the Kia Boys a head start. (Note – I have no idea if it works this way.)
It has to be IPv6, IPv4 is on the verge of running out.
Stealing from computer monitor manufacturers, I see.
They have a glorious past with legendary models that could be easily recycled. For example: Opirus, Pride, Rondo, Pregio? Also, apostrophes could be added to jazz the names up a little? Prid’e? Pri’de?
Completely meaningless words that don’t tell people anything about the vehicle.
Soul, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento. Most people could not put those crossovers in order from largest to smallest / cheapest to most expensive. On the other hand K2, K4, K6, K6 makes it very obvious
Technically, they can never run out of numbers.
In my opinion, “ID.” stands for “identity diluted.”
Still not nearly as bad as that “BMW Individual M760Li xDrive Model V12 Excellence THE NEXT 100 YEARS” bullshit, but still.
It must be mostly a German thing. I don’t understand.
Or ID.10T, a computer technician error code.
ID.Katzenstromautotransporter . . . make it so, Wolfsburg.
Just sticking with numbers after an acronym is what Germans do.
Porsche Type 60 / VW Type 1
Or just creatively using sequential numbers with letters for which version of that model you have, Sd.Kfz 182 AusB
David’s abandoned Jeep?
The German word for rust isn’t part of that, so no.
But they still haven’t dropped “ID”? ID.iots.
They should be reserving the ID.10T name for a $100K full size electric truck.
Elon might already have that one trademarked.
ID.UH
ID.AHO
This reminds me of the BMW X1-7. Not sure if that is a good thing or not.