The current trend is to replace the various buttons in electric cars (EVs) with giant touchscreens. This is because it is seen as a futuristic feature that sets them apart from existing ICE cars. But the experiment failed because many users complained that using a touchscreen to change the air conditioning system while driving is not intuitive. Studies have found that it is as dangerous as driving while drunk.
Volkswagen last weekend showed off a new cockpit design for its EVs with all the physical buttons returned. According to VW, the decision to bring back the buttons was made after taking into account their customers' opinions. The physical buttons are paired with new software and the third-generation ADAS Travel Assist system.
The LCD screen is still used with a 10.25-inch driving information display behind the steering wheel and a secondary 13-inch screen for the infotainment system's center console. All vehicle systems now use physical buttons including changing the air conditioning air flow, hazard warning lights, heating system, gear shift stalk, vehicle signal stalk and more.
The first vehicle to use the new cockpit is the Volkswagen ID. The Polo 02 which will be launched later.
