Upcoming VW electric vehicles will have actual names.

      Volkswagen

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      Recently, Germans have been somewhat inconsistent when it comes to naming their vehicles. Volkswagen is the latest automaker to rethink its branding, planning to abandon the alphanumeric “ID” labels in favor of actual vehicle names.

      Just as the design of electric vehicles fluctuates between innovative and classic, so do their names. In an interview with Auto und Wirtschaft, VW brand board member Martin Sander stated that the ID.EVERY1 name will not be permanent. This applies to other forthcoming models as well.

      “The cars will receive real names again,” he stated. “This question will specifically come up with the market introduction of new models – neither the ID.2all nor the ID.EVERY1 will carry those names in production.”

      Sander, who is part of the Sales, Marketing, and After Sales management team, did not disclose what the production names will be. “We’ll announce that when the time is right.”

      According to Carscoops, future ID models may adopt names that already exist in the VW lineup. For instance, the ID.2 could be rebranded as Polo, while the ID.1 might be called Lupo, Fox, or Up! Alternatively, Volkswagen could opt for entirely new names.

      Kai Grünitz, another board member focused on Technical Development, previously indicated that ID models would undergo significant updates starting in 2026. Carscoops suggests that this might be the perfect moment not only to refresh the appearance of every ID but also to assign them new non-alphanumeric names. At the very least, they could eliminate the awkward period and spacing (no space if followed by a number, space if followed by a letter). This could simplify their marketing approach.

      The ID EV sub-brand debuted in 2017. Currently, in the U.S., consumers can choose between the ID.4 and ID.Buzz. The ID.7 was intended to release but has faced delays and was ultimately canceled. Having vehicle names that don’t resemble stock market trends is one consideration, but it's essential for the VW EVs to remain recognizable, especially since ICE-powered models will be sold alongside them for several more years. Perhaps VW can learn from its compatriots.

      BMW has assigned a focused role to its “i” designation: it will be exclusive to its electric models. Additionally, the eDrive and xDrive terminology may be phased out with the new Neue Klasse lineup, replaced by a more straightforward classification. Audi has altered its naming system twice in recent years, initially experimenting with odd and even numbers before reverting to the familiar As and Qs. Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, seems to be moving on from the EQ naming convention.

      As Sander pointed out, only time will reveal the outcome. Let's hope Volkswagen doesn't end up facing the same naming challenges that Honda appears to be experiencing with its upcoming electric lineup.

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