Touchscreen Backlash: Why EV Makers Are Ditching Screens for Buttons Again

In a twist that echoes the iPhone’s early skeptics, electric vehicle (EV) drivers are pushing back against the touchscreen takeover, demanding the return of physical buttons. A 2024 Euro NCAP ruling mandating physical controls for key functions by January 2026 has sparked a global shift, with automakers like Volkswagen and Hyundai responding to customer frustration and safety concerns, reshaping the EV driving experience.

Safety Concerns Drive Change

Touchscreens, once hailed as the future of in-car tech, are now under fire for distracting drivers. A 2017 AAA study found drivers spend an average of 40 seconds on-screen for tasks like navigation, covering nearly 1,500 feet (457 meters) at 25 mph (40 km/h). This distraction risk prompted Euro NCAP’s new rule, requiring physical buttons for horns, wipers, turn signals, hazard lights, and SOS features to secure a five-star safety rating. “The overuse of touchscreens… raises the risk of distraction crashes,” said Matthew Avery of Euro NCAP to The UK Times.

In the U.S., regulatory action lags. The NHTSA’s 2022 proposal to address in-car distractions remains unofficial, leaving automakers to navigate customer feedback independently. This gap highlights a critical need for standardized safety measures as EVs integrate more tech.

Customer Frustration Fuels Reversal

The touchscreen trend, pioneered by Tesla’s massive Model S display, was initially driven by consumer demand for smartphone-like interfaces. However, the shift to haptic and touch-capacitive controls for everything from wipers to seat adjustments has sparked backlash. Volkswagen faced intense criticism for its ID.3 and ID.4 models’ touch controls, with CEO Thomas Schaffer admitting to Autocar they “did a lot of damage.” VW is now reintroducing tactile controls in models like the Golf.

Hyundai and Porsche are also prioritizing physical buttons. Hyundai’s SangYup Lee told Motor1, “Haptic [buttons] are cool, but if it’s not helping others, it’s not a good feature.” Porsche’s Ivo van Hulten emphasized to Ars Technica that U.S. drivers value physical climate controls. Even Mercedes-Benz, known for its Hyperscreen, is rethinking its approach, with design lead Gorden Wagener telling ABC News, “Big screens are not luxury.”

Industry Shifts and Economic Impacts

Touchscreens initially saved automakers millions by reducing the need for dozens of physical components. Over-the-air (OTA) updates further lowered costs, enabling feature additions without hardware changes. However, the pivot back to buttons reflects a broader industry trend: listening to customers. This shift may increase production costs—estimated at $10-$20 per vehicle for additional tactile controls—but could boost brand loyalty and safety ratings, critical in the competitive EV market valued at $384 billion in 2024.

EVXL’s Take

The touchscreen rebellion is a wake-up call for EV makers: tech should serve drivers, not frustrate them. At EVXL, we see this as a return to common sense—buttons are intuitive, safe, and satisfying to press, like flipping a light switch. Imagine fumbling with a touchscreen to turn on wipers in a downpour; it’s not just annoying, it’s dangerous. As EVs evolve, blending tactile controls with smart displays feels like the sweet spot. Automakers ignoring this risk alienating drivers who just want to keep their eyes on the road and their sanity intact.

Featured photo showing Spyker C8 Dashboard. Courtesy of Reddit.