Volkswagen to Ditch ID Moniker for Traditional Names on Electric Vehicles

Volkswagen is set to revive traditional naming for its electric vehicles (EVs), moving away from the alphanumeric ID labels like ID.3 and ID.4, according to a recent statement from the company’s head of marketing and sales. According to Motor1, this shift aims to bring back the brand’s iconic, recognizable names—think Beetle or Golf—to its growing EV lineup, potentially simplifying choices for buyers and boosting brand appeal.

A Return to Volkswagen’s Iconic Naming

In an interview with German publication Auto Und Wirtschaft, Martin Sander, Volkswagen’s head of marketing and sales, confirmed the change. “The cars will get proper names again,” Sander stated. He noted that concept names like ID.2all and ID.Every1 will not carry over to production models, with final names to be revealed later. This move aligns with Volkswagen’s history of memorable names, such as the Thing or Scirocco, which have long resonated with drivers.

The ID moniker, while consistent, has been criticized for lacking personality compared to Volkswagen’s heritage. The shift could make models more approachable for U.S. consumers, who already know names like Taos (a compact SUV with a starting price of about $24,000) or Tiguan (a midsize SUV starting around $29,000).

Industry Trends in EV Naming

Volkswagen’s decision reflects a broader trend among automakers to refine EV naming strategies. For example, Audi recently reverted to using “E-Tron” for its EVs and “TFSI” for gas models after a brief experiment with even- and odd-numbered names. Similarly, BMW now reserves the “i” badge for EVs like the i4, dropping it from gas-powered cars. Toyota also simplified its bZ4X to just “bZ” to improve clarity.

These changes suggest automakers are responding to consumer feedback favoring intuitive, distinctive names over complex alphanumeric codes. For Volkswagen, abandoning the ID label could strengthen its EV market position, especially as it competes with brands like Tesla (Model Y starts at $44,990) and Ford (Mustang Mach-E starts at $39,995).

Implications for Buyers and the Market

For EV owners and enthusiasts, Volkswagen’s naming shift could enhance brand loyalty and ease decision-making. A familiar name like “Golf” on an electric model might evoke trust and nostalgia, potentially attracting buyers hesitant about EVs. The 2025 ID.Buzz, a modern electric take on the classic Microbus priced around $59,000, already taps into this retro appeal with its distinctive design and 234-mile range.

Operationally, the change may streamline marketing efforts, reducing confusion in showrooms. Economically, it could help Volkswagen stand out in the crowded U.S. EV market, where sales reached 1.2 million units in 2024, per industry estimates. Regulatory-wise, clearer naming won’t directly impact emissions compliance, but it may support Volkswagen’s push to meet stricter U.S. standards by making EVs more appealing.

Looking Ahead

While it’s unclear if the ID prefix will persist, Volkswagen’s pivot to traditional names signals a strategic effort to blend heritage with innovation. As the company rolls out new EVs, including a planned compact model to rival the Honda Civic (around $25,000), buyers can expect names that feel familiar yet forward-looking. This move could redefine how Volkswagen connects with EV enthusiasts, setting the stage for a more engaging electric future.