by admin | Mar 18, 2025 | battery electric vehicles, electric cars, electric power, electric vehicle charging stations, technology
Cars constructed using this platform will gain an additional 249 miles of range within merely five minutes, which could signify a significant breakthrough for electric vehicles.
-
BYD introduces the Super e-Platform, which will support the development of the planet’s quickest-recharging electric vehicles set for release later this year.
-
Thanks to a 1,000-volt electrical system, it supports charging rates of up to 1,000 kilowatts (one megawatt).
-
EVs constructed using this platform will gain an additional 249 miles of range within just 5 minutes.
In China, rather than Europe or North America, we see the fastest-charging and most sophisticated electric vehicles emerging. Now, BYD’s latest Super e-Platform reinforces this lead even more. Following their announcement of EVs capable of charging at rates of up to 500 kilowatts, BYD claims their newest technology supports an impressive maximum charging capacity of 1,000 kW, enabling the vehicle to add about 2 kilometers (or roughly 1.2 miles) of range every single second.
According to
the company’s website
And according to news reports, the Super e-Platform operates at 1,000 volts, surpassing even the maximum voltage levels found in today’s electric vehicles. These typically reach their peak at around
800 volts
or 900 volts in
Lucid vehicles
, and it’s these vehicles that also offer the highest charging capacity.
Photo by: BYD
BYD – 1000 kW ultra-rapid charging
BYD’s latest platform supports up to 1,000 amps of current, which allows adding approximately 249 miles (400 kilometers) of range within merely five minutes. This process is nearly as fast as refueling a conventional car, thereby addressing one of the major issues with electric vehicles—the significant waiting time required to achieve substantial charging progress. Typically, this involves spending many minutes plugging in to gain usable mileage.
High-capacity charging stations are necessary to reach peak charging speeds; however, BYD has declared intentions to construct approximately 4,000 such facilities across China. The company did not specify when construction will commence nor provide an estimated timeline for completing their targeted 1,000 kW infrastructure project.
These advanced high-power EV chargers cannot be easily set up just anywhere due to their significant power requirements when operating at maximum efficiency. They might necessitate connections directly to high-voltage lines, confining them primarily to sites equipped with strong grid systems.
Photo by: Autohome
BYD – Platform at 1,000 volts
In China, customers can now reserve the BYD Han L for $37,350 and the Tang L for $38,700. These models utilize a cutting-edge platform enabling quicker charging speeds compared to any electric vehicle globally. Additionally, they feature advanced high-output motors capable of spinning beyond 30,000 revolutions per minute, delivering up to 777 horsepower—currently unmatched worldwide from a singular engine. This performance is integrated via a next-generation suite of silicon carbide power modules.
Vehicles equipped with a single motor for rear-wheel drive, constructed using the new platform, will produce 671 horsepower. Meanwhile, those fitted with dual motors will couple this high-performance engine with a less powerful 308-horsepower unit at the front wheels, resulting in an overall power output of 1,084 horsepower.
This allows the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV to accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in merely 2.7 and 3.6 seconds, respectively, achieving maximum speeds of up to 190 mph and 170 mph.
The introduction of the Super e-Platform seems poised to be a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle sector, making the process of charging an EV as straightforward as filling up a gasoline-powered car.
BYD
must fulfill its commitment to establish a widespread network of one-megawatt charging stations so that users can truly enjoy the advantages.
Clearly, BYD aims to establish itself not just as a top seller in the electric vehicle market but also as a technology innovator, tackling one of the primary worries for potential purchasers.
Bloomberg
observes that the introduction of the new platform is already positively impacting the company’s stock price, causing an increase of 6%.
More On BYD
-
Within BYD’s Ambitious Strategies for Europe
-
BYD’s Response to Tesla Autopilot Comes at a Much Lower Cost
-
Witness The BYD Shark Tackle Australia’s Sandy Dunes Amid 100-Degree Temperatures
-
China’s Dominance in the EV Market: What’s Driving Their Success in the Electric Vehicle Sector?
-
BYD Might Soon Surpass Sales of Both Ford and Honda
-
Lucid CEO: Numerous Electric Vehicles in America Are Simply Subpar
by admin | Mar 14, 2025 | engineering, smart devices, smartphone cameras, smartphones, technology
Lifehack My ID
Fotografi arsitektur lebih dari sekedar merekam struktur bangunan. Ini merupakan suatu keterampilan untuk mengekspos bentuk, tekstur, serta narasi terselubung di baliknya.
Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi, ponsel pintar saat ini telah menjadi perangkat yang sangat dipercaya oleh para fotografer, arsitek, serta pembuat konten.
Serangkaian Samsung Galaxy S25 membawa sejumlah fitur inovatif yang meringankan tahap tersebut, sehingga membolehkan setiap orang menciptakan foto arsitektur yang jernih, menakjubkan, serta kaya akan detil.
Pada artikel kali ini, kami akan membahas tentang keunggulan-keunggulan pada seri Samsung Galaxy S25, terutama model Galaxy S25 Ultra. Fitur tersebut mampu menyajikan pengalaman fotografi arsitektur dengan hasil yang serupa profesional serta sangat menarik secara langsung bagi para pengguna.
1. Kamera Ultra-Wide 50MP
Salah satu hambatan terbesar dalam fotografi arsitektur adalah mengabadikan seluruh bentuk bangunan tanpa mengorbankan ketajaman gambarnya.
Oleh karena itu, gedung seringkali mempunyai elemen-elemen unik yang sayang untuk dilewatkan saat difoto.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dilengkapi dengan sensor Ultra-Wide 50MP, sehingga memungkinkan pengguna mengambil gambar dengan sudut lebarnya tanpa terjadi deformasi.
Menurut Govinda Rumi, seorang fotografer arsitektur berpengalaman, “Sudah pernah saya coba kamera 50MP Ultra-Wide pada Galaxy S25 Ultra, dan hal yang paling mengesankan bagi saya adalah betapa sedikitnya distorsi di bagian pinggir gambar. Hal ini menjadikan hasil jepretan tampak lebih natural dan dramatis.”
Menggunakan campuran resolusi tinggi serta sensor yang ditingkatkan, pemakai bisa merekam hiasan pada struktur gedung secara lebih tajam, termasuk saat cahaya kurang memadai.
Ciri khas ini sungguh sempurna untuk orang-orang yang berminat menjelajahi struktur historis atau ikon kota dari sudut pandangan yang lebih luas.
2. Virtual Aperture
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hadir dengan fungsi Virtual Aperture yang membolehkan pengguna menyetel pembukaan lensa antara f/1.4 sampai f/16.
Hal ini memungkinkan Anda mengatur kedalaman lapangan dengan leluasa, suatu aspek krusial dalam pembuatan gambar arsitektural berkesan dan penuh drama.
Misalkan saat menangkap foto sebuah katedral atau bangunan bertingkat tinggi, pengguna bisa memilih diafragma yang sempit (seperti f/16) guna menjaga tajamnya keseluruhan bangunan tersebut.
Untuk menghasilkan efek bokeh pada latar belakang dan menyoroti detil ornament, pengguna bisa menggunakan pembukaan diafragma yang lebar seperti contohnya f/1.4.
“Kebebasan mengatur kedalaman lapangan pandang ini sungguh bermanfaat ketika saya ingin memperjelas tekstur gedung sambil tetap menjaga latar belakang tidak terlalu mencolok,” jelas Govinda Rumi.
3. Expert RAW
Fotograf profesional umumnya menginginkan kontrol total terhadap kualitas gambar yang dihasilkan.
Menggunakan fitur Expert RAW pada Galaxy S25 Ultra, pemakai dapat mengambil foto dalam bentuk RAW yang memberikan kemungkinan untuk menyunting dengan lebih detail tanpa kehilangan kualitas citra.
Fitur ini juga memungkinkan pengguna mengatur ulang Keseimbangan Putih secara manual, contohnya dengan meningkatkan angka WB lebih dari 5.500K agar memberi kesan hangat pada struktur bersejarah seperti istana atau gereja lama.
Akhirknya? Gambar yang lebih berwarna-warni dan mencerminkan atmosfer sebenarnya dari struktur tersebut.
4. Gemini Live
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra tak sekadar unggul di bidang hardware, namun juga dilengkapi dengan teknologi artificial intelligence yang memudahkan penggunanya untuk mencapai performa optimal.
Dengan fasilitas Gemini Live, pemakai bisa mendapatkan data mengenai gedung yang diabadikan cukup dengan sekali sentuhan.
Sebagai contoh, ketika memotret Menara Eiffel, pemakai bisa mendapatkan informasi menarik atau riwayat dari struktur itu lewat pencarian berbasis kecerdasan buatan.
Ini menambahkan nilai ekstra ke fotografi arsitektur sebab tiap foto bisa membawa pesan atau latar belakang yang jauh lebih kaya.
5. Mode Malam
Pengambilan gambar arsitektur kerap kali dijalankan pada waktu malam guna merekam penerangan yang kreatif dari struktur tersebut.
Dengan peningkatan fitur Nightography pada Galaxy S25 Ultra, gambar dalam kondisi kurang cahaya masih tetap jernih dan memiliki noise yang berkurang.
Teknologi pemrosesan multiframe AI memungkinkan penggabungan berbagai paparan menjadi satu foto, menjaga detil dengan baik bahkan pada situasi cahaya redup.
Ini sungguh bermanfaat ketika Anda ingin memotret ikon seperti Times Square atau Candi Borobudur pada malam hari.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra menghadirkan terobosan segar di bidang fotografi struktural. Menggunakan gabungan kamera ultra-lebar 50 megapiksel, Virtual Aperture, Expert RAW, AI Gemini Live, serta mode malam yang ditingkatkan, ponsel ini menyediakan paket komprehensif untuk para fotograf profesional, desainer arsitektur, hingga pecinta foto gedung.
(*)
by admin | Mar 13, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, cars, hybrid cars, technology
-
According to a report, Toyota is working on a new hybrid power system for its range of GR performance vehicles.
Autocar
.
-
At the core of the powertrain will be a newly developed turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine capable of generating as much as 400 horsepower.
-
Toyota hinted at this powerplant with the GR Yaris M concept, which also suggests the possible comeback of the mid-engine MR2 sports car.
In recent years, Toyota has focused more on appealing to car lovers by offering a range of GR-branded sports vehicles, starting with the budget-friendly options.
GR86 coupe
to the
GR Corolla hot hatch
and the six-cylinder
GR Supra
Currently, Toyota is making sure that its GR series remains available in numerous countries, except for the United States, where stricter emission standards continue to be implemented.
Autocar
has mentioned that Toyota is developing a new hybrid system for upcoming high-performance vehicles.
The hybrid system will center on a newly developed turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is presently being created. Toyota hinted at this powertrain with the
The GR Yaris M concept was unveiled earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
, replacing the small hatchback’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a centrally mounted 2.0-liter turbofour.
The engine can serve dual purposes for both conventional hybrid and plug-in-hybrid setups. Weighing in at 2.0 liters, this powerplant is more compact and lightweight compared to Toyota’s present offerings, largely due to a reduced piston stroke which aids in offsetting the additional mass from incorporating hybrid technology components.
Although Toyota has not revealed much information regarding the engine,
Autocar
proposes that the updated four-cylinder engine might generate approximately 400 horsepower for street use. Currently, the 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder in the GR86 delivers 228 hp, whereas the turbocharged 1.6-liter triple in the GR Corolla offers 300 horsepower. This hybrid system will similarly be employed in Toyota’s racing endeavors.
The mid-engine GR Yaris could potentially lead to a sports car with the engine positioned between the wheels.
Speculations regarding the comeback of the MR2 designation
have gained momentum over the last year. The
The FT-Se idea proposed in 2023 indicated that the next version of the MR2 could potentially be an electric vehicle.
, however, Toyota’s overall hesitation regarding electric vehicles and the GR Yaris M project suggest that a gasoline-driven sports car appears more probable.
Autocar
indicates that the mid-engine sports car received approval for production back in May, and
Toyota suggested potential developments for several new sports cars in a video posted last autumn.
, featuring a third-generation GR86, a new MR2, the reintroduction of the Celica, and a sixth-generation Supra. It also includes a flagship sports car—
apparently inspired by the 2022 GR GT3 concept
—was also listed and
has been spotted testing
, even though it might ultimately be branded as a Lexus.
Interested in buying a car? Discover your perfect fit on the MSN Autos Marketplace.
by admin | Mar 7, 2025 | autos, battery electric vehicles, cars, electric cars, technology
Electric vehicles can serve as the accessible and dependable means of transport we require. However, this is true only if we cease attempting to confine them within the frameworks designed for gasoline-powered cars.
There are numerous explanations for why China dominates the electric vehicle (EV) market. The Chinese government invested heavily in this sector, streamlined regulations, offered incentives to consumers, and made land more affordable. Local firms with little to no background in manufacturing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles viewed this shift as a chance rather than a burden, unlike many Western companies who see it differently. However, one crucial aspect remains less discussed than it should be.
A
A significantly higher percentage of Chinese individuals purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) are doing so for their first car.
Many people previously owned just one or two vehicles. This is crucial because in China, electric vehicles came without most of the burdens that still hampered their adoption elsewhere.
Photo by: InsideEVs
Ford’s CEO has recently stated that the economics behind large SUV electric vehicles are “unsolvable.” I concur with this viewpoint, hence I believe that extended-range electric vehicles and hybrid models will continue to be prevalent in these market segments for an extensive period.
In 2022, the typical purchaser of a new car in the United States was approximately 51 years old.
per Cox Automotive
Even typical buyers of used cars were around 49 years old, with both demographics having above-average incomes. This indicates they are affluent individuals who came of age in an era heavily influenced by automobiles. Growing up during times when internal combustion engines were predominant, these folks also recall a period when air travel was considerably more expensive and less common. Consequently, many retain memories from childhood involving family trips taken in gasoline-powered vehicles. Throughout adulthood, they have primarily bought gas-fueled cars and depended on them extensively for transportation needs.
Currently, they are being informed that electric vehicles will soon supersede their traditional counterparts. However, for large, bulky vehicles which most consumers are used to purchasing, embarking on lengthy trips necessitates paying a significant additional cost, utilizing an array of planning and charging applications, and enduring a more time-consuming and challenging driving process. These individuals are now advised to acquire from the same company that previously provided gasoline-powered models—a brand known for selling familiar vehicle designs—at higher prices and generally inferior performance levels compared to what they have been accustomed to.
worse reliability
.
So
of course
they’re pissed off.
I know I am.
When looking to substitute a $2,500 Chevy Tahoe for camping trips, I opted to lease a Chevy Blazer EV instead.
I enjoy cruising around town with it, but the eco-friendly tires restrict its ability to handle unpaved roads. The seats cannot be fully flattened, which prevents me from using it for camping naps like I do in my Tahoe.
During a 1,000-mile round trip to Utah, I spent hours trying to keep it charged.
.
I missed out on seeing an incredible view at Bryce Canyon due to range anxiety and having just one of the two required Tesla charging adapters. The adapter I possessed was not enough.
permitted me to utilize Superchargers
, but this meant occupying two parking spaces, making me appear rather rude. What really put things into perspective was that with electricity rates between $0.53 and $0.65 per kWh at numerous charging points, I ended up not saving anything compared to completing the journey in a gasoline-powered crossover.
The experience sucks.
I haven’t come across a direct equivalent as an electric vehicle (EV) option for this, since honestly, it seems ridiculous for someone who is 27 years old without children to drive such a large SUV that could practically serve as a bed. There isn’t really a necessity for an EV version of something like this.
If you’re coming at this from the perspective of a gasoline-powered vehicle, I understand completely. You might be thinking about long road trips. Or perhaps driving through remote areas. Maybe even imagining summertime excursions to Hilton Head from Cleveland, which takes around 14 hours. You could also be envisioning fussy children at service stations and all the inconvenience of adapting to a method that your old gas-guzzler handled effortlessly for years.
However, an electric vehicle is not like a gasoline-powered car; they operate quite differently. This difference leads to distinct compromises, as extensively discussed: today’s models tend to be either overpriced or poor for long-distance travel.
Photo by: Mack Hogan/InsideEVs
I enjoy driving my Blazer EV, yet I wouldn’t have forked over the $52,000 asking price. Instead, I acquired it for just $273 per month plus an upfront payment of $2,000, as both the dealership and GM absorbed some costs—a clear indication that high-priced electric vehicles may not be attracting buyers purely based on their merits.
These two issues are interconnected. Once electric vehicles are freed from the requirement for long-distance travel, all other concerns become less significant.
Drive the Blazer. The account provided here encompasses roughly three out of eight months since acquiring the vehicle. These instances represent some of the most extreme scenarios encountered during this period—a journey exceeding 1,000 miles through rural parts of America. This aligns with the quintessential idea of an adventurous cross-country adventure cherished by so many Americans. Nonetheless, such long-distance travel isn’t what we primarily use our car for. Having resided in California for approximately three years, this was merely the second occasion where I ventured over 500 miles from home. More common excursions like those to Joshua Tree National Park and Anza Borrego Desert State Park fall comfortably within the capabilities of the Blazer. Despite being routine activities, they still stand as exceptions rather than regular occurrences.
Even though most advertisements depict mountain routes and emphasize features like towing capability, performance, exploring uncharted territories, or mastering the open road out west, these scenarios likely account for only about ten percent of actual driving experiences. Most often, your vehicle simply gets you to work, school, visits with friends, or nearby cities. There isn’t much in the way of grand adventures; it merely transports you between locations routinely.
Listen, it would be awesome if this were our everyday reality. However, in trying to address extremely rare scenarios—such as people driving large luxury SUVs off-road—the Hummer EV became pricier, even more outlandish, and significantly heavier. Perhaps we could let hybrids and EREVs handle rock crawling instead.
In all these scenarios, an electric vehicle (EV) presents a much superior option. However, concentrating on the alternate scenario—long-distance travel—diminishes this benefit. Electric vehicles demand virtually no routine upkeep due to their enclosed motors and less complex drive systems. But once you adapt an EV for long drives, it needs to be heavier, leading to higher tire costs. The straightforward design of EVs also suggests they would be more economical to manufacture. Nonetheless, as expected, the substantial battery significantly bumps up the price, making it $15,000 dearer than its gasoline counterpart.
I understand, I understand. You
need
To embark on that road trip. Despite occurring annually, it is crucial, regardless of the reason. Believe me, I have no intention of seeking you out. Instead, my message emphasizes this: Allow gasoline to manage these tasks for now.
Offer extended-range EVs
, as well as hybrid and even pure gasoline-powered drivetrains for those who often embark on lengthy journeys. Gasoline trucks are remarkable vehicles, and it will be some time before any electric vehicle can match the Ford F-150’s capabilities at an equivalent cost. Let the internal combustion engines tackle the cross-country drives; they have proven their mettle over many years.
Photo by: Ford
The Lightning is an excellent pickup truck, yet it remains a hard sell compared to a gasoline-powered F-150 that offers lower costs and superior towing capabilities regardless of location.
This will allow electric vehicle designers to concentrate on the genuine benefits of this shift. Car manufacturers are opting to produce range-extender EVs equipped with smaller battery packs and gasoline powertrains for extended mileage. Instead, they may provide a higher-end all-electric option, boasting several hundred miles of driving range.
Reverse the approach. Provide the same compact battery option for both choices. Equip the electric vehicle with a 150-mile range and emphasize long-distance travel as an additional feature. Consider offering rental services for range extenders or extra battery units. Service centers at dealerships will likely seek fresh avenues to remain active as electric vehicles rapidly surpass internal combustion engine reliability.
Provide affordable electric vehicles that still manage to be engaging. Although buyers might have dismissed models like the Nissan Leaf and Mini Cooper SE, did the planners contemplate that Americans generally avoid buying hatchbacks irrespective of their powertrain type? Instead, introduce an urban-friendly SUV equipped with ample interior space and sufficient driving range to transport your mountain bike into the wilderness. This model should come at a pre-credit cost of around $30,000. Given Chevrolet’s promise of offering a 319-mile-range Equinox EV for approximately $35,000, achieving even better value seems entirely feasible.
The Chevy Bolt might suit anybody’s daily travel needs and also cope well with moderately long drives. Should someone succeed in giving it a more appealing design—something less bland than a laser printer—it could become the electric vehicle for the masses that we’ve been looking for.
Create a luxurious variant as well. If given the choice, I wouldn’t mind keeping my old, worn-out gasoline pickup indefinitely—if only my primary vehicle were a sleek, leather-appointed electric pod equipped with top-of-the-line audio systems and seating. By incorporating compact motors and batteries, this minimalist approach could make premium finishes easier to achieve. Also, develop an all-electric Ford Ranger; suggest opting for the hybrid model if extended travel range is needed. Electric vehicles offer affordability, simplicity, and smooth operation—not direct substitutes but rather complementary options where traditional models have reached near perfection.
Electric vehicles are already gaining traction in the commercial van market, as purchasers in this category concentrate on their daily activities instead of an occasional yearly journey they might undertake.
This presents an occasion for reinvention. However, it necessitates moving away from viewing electric vehicles (EVs) as superior or inferior to those powered by gasoline. We must cease treating them merely as automobiles equipped with battery packs and start seeing them as a distinct mode of transport. They won’t entirely supplant petrol in all scenarios just yet. Yet, for our day-to-day existence and the vast majority—about 90 percent—of the journeys we undertake, they represent the perfect answer.
Electric vehicles aren’t like gasoline cars. This is a positive aspect.
Contact the author:
Mack.Hogan@insideevs.com
.
Related Stories
-
Why Level 1 Electric Vehicle Home Charging Might Be More Beneficial Than You Realize
-
2024 Chevy Blazer EV Owner Review After Six Months: Pros and Cons
-
The Issue With Taking Electric Cars on Long Journeys
-
Will Hybrids Be the Next Big Thing in Electric Vehicles?
-
Ford States Big Electric Trucks and SUVs Face ‘Insurmountable’ Issues
-
Creating a plug-in hybrid vehicle is much more challenging than you might assume.
by admin | Mar 7, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, cars, technology, technology industry
VW removed many of the physical controls from its initial electric vehicles and went through a lengthy, difficult learning process as a result.
-
Volkswagen plans to reintroduce physical keys for control purposes, beginning with the ID.2 model.
-
Every upcoming model will feature control buttons instead of touchscreen panels on the steering wheel.
-
Mercedes is another car manufacturer that recognized in-car screens are far from perfect.
Car manufacturers are gradually beginning to pay attention to what both automotive journalists and vehicle owners have been criticizing for nearly ten years now: Packing every function of the car into a touchscreen is not as effective as having separate physical buttons for important operations.
One of the companies noted for reverting to physical keys is
Volkswagen
, whose newest models have become overly reliant on touch controls, with features either hidden within a touchscreen interface or moved to an irritating haptic feedback panel.
For quite some time, we’ve been aware that Volkswagen was thinking about bringing back certain buttons in their vehicles. However, the company never formally confirmed these plans. Recently though, Andreas Mindt, who leads VW’s design team, confessed that they are indeed looking into reintroducing physical buttons.
Autocar
That using this method was an error, and now the car manufacturer is reversing course on this direction.
“From
the ID.2all
From now on, we will feature physical buttons for the five key functionalities: volume control, temperature adjustment on both sides of the vehicle, fan operation, and hazard lights, all located below the display,” Mindt explained.
Autocar.
He stated, “These will be included in all our cars moving forward. We will never repeat this error again. The steering wheels will feature actual buttons instead of touch controls. No more uncertainty. You get tangible feedback; it’s genuine, and everyone enjoys using them. To clarify, these are vehicles—not smartphones.”
Photo by: Volkswagen
In addition to this, the five functions that will have separate controls are
criteria set by Euro NCAP, which plans to incorporate these into its safety assessments beginning in 2026
If a vehicle lacks manual controls for the horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard lights, and SOS features, it will not attain the highest five-star rating.
Therefore, it’s not only us journalists who view shifting towards touch-only interfaces as unwise. Matthew Avery, the director of strategic development at NCAP, pointed out: “We’re witnessing an increasing number of incidents involving collisions due to distractions.”
Politico
.
You’ll understand why that isn’t surprising if you’ve ridden in a contemporary Volkswagen, similar to this one.
an ID.4
, which requires you to use illuminated haptic sliders beneath the screen for adjusting the cabin temperature or media volume (though the 2024 update did add backlighting across all models except the entry-level one). If you wish to precisely tweak your climate control settings, you have to do so via the touchscreen—a process that feels more complicated than necessary, particularly since Volkswagen’s infotainment system can sometimes be cumbersome.
More On This
-
BMW’s New Panoramic iDrive Adds More Screens, But With A Twist
-
The Revised Tesla Model Y Continues to Feature Its Turning Indicator Lever
-
The Mazda 6e Is a Striking Rear-Wheel Drive Electric Liftback Featuring a 50-Inch Virtual Display
-
Disregard Displays: Hyundai Aims to Put Controls On Your Windshield
-
What Electric Vehicle Offers the Finest Customer Experience?
-
Xiaomi’s Latest Electric Vehicle Will Allow Users to Install Physical Buttons Beneath Its Touchscreen
Volkswagen worsened the driving experience by replacing traditional buttons with touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel. This design can lead to accidental activations and may not consistently respond when intentional contact occurs.
Mercedes is another manufacturer that went all-in on screens, and its steering wheel-mounted touch controls are even
more annoying
then VW’s. Similar to Volkswagen, Mercedes ought to consider reverting to buttons and knobs following statements from the company’s Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, who acknowledged that “
screens aren’t luxury.
This statement comes from a carmaker that provides an enormous 56-inch display made up of three screens fitted within their vehicles, spanning across the complete width of the dashboard.
Expense has significantly fueled this shift. Car manufacturers understand that incorporating a large display in contemporary vehicles is essential for attracting buyers. Consequently, it becomes more straightforward and cost-effective to consolidate all controls into a single screen instead of procuring and installing numerous physical switchgear components. This approach has resulted in considerable frustrations, such as with Volkswagen and Volvo implementing certain designs.
Their windows switch settings are far more irritating just for a few cents in savings.
.
Tesla initiated this pattern with
the original Model S
And with its enormous display that made everything appear outdated. Despite being an impressive screen that pushed traditional car manufacturers to strive for more, once the initial excitement faded, many began questioning if relying solely on a screen-based interface was truly superior.
This issue became more pronounced with subsequent Tesla models. The introduction of the Model 3 Highland pushed simplicity even further by eliminating the turn signal, windshield wiper, and gear shift stalks entirely. This makes their vehicles uniquely dependent on swiping controls on a touchscreen for shifting between drive and reverse gears. However, at some point, Tesla acknowledged that removing the indicator stalk went too far.
And it might return it, albeit in a more basic version without extra features.
Gradually, these businesses appear to be realizing that physical buttons can be crucial for safety when driving at speeds of 65 mph on the highway. Even if this adds a few extra cents to the cost of each vehicle for brands like Volkswagen and Tesla, it appears to be a beneficial compromise.
by admin | Mar 7, 2025 | automotive industry, autos, cars, technology, technology industry
Volkswagen removed many physical controls from its initial electric vehicles and went through a lengthy, difficult learning process as a result.
-
Volkswagen plans to reintroduce physical keys for control, beginning with the ID.2 model.
-
In all upcoming models, the primary controls will be buttons instead of touch panels located on the steering wheel.
-
Another car manufacturer that recognizes in-car displays are far from perfect is Mercedes.
Car manufacturers are gradually beginning to address the concerns raised by both automotive journalists and vehicle owners over the past ten years: integrating all of a car’s functionalities into a touchscreen is not as effective as providing distinct physical buttons for essential operations.
One of the companies noted for reverting to physical keys is
Volkswagen
, whose newest models have become overly reliant on touch controls, with features either hidden within a touchscreen interface or moved to an irritating haptic feedback panel.
For quite some time, we have been aware that Volkswagen was contemplating reinstating certain physical buttons in their vehicles; however, the company never formally confirmed these plans. Recently, though, Andreas Mindt, who heads up design at VW, has confessed to this idea.
Autocar
That using this method was an error, and now the car manufacturer is reversing course on this direction.
“From
the ID.2all
From now on, we will include physical buttons for the five key features—the volume control, temperature adjustment on both sides of the vehicle, fan operation, and hazard lights—located below the display,” Mindt explained.
Autocar.
He stated, “These will be included in every vehicle we produce moving forward. We will never repeat this error again. Physical buttons will be placed on the steering wheel instead. No more guesswork involved. You get tangible feedback; it’s genuine, and customers adore it. To clarify, it’s meant to be a car, not a smartphone.”
Photo by: Volkswagen
In addition to this, the five functions that will have separate controls are:
criteria set by Euro NCAP, which plans to incorporate these into its safety assessments beginning in 2026
If a vehicle lacks tangible controls for the horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard lights, and SOS features, it will not attain the highest five-star rating.
Therefore, it’s not only journalist who view shifting entirely towards touch-based interfaces as unwise. Matthew Avery, the director of strategic development at NCAP, pointed out: “We’re witnessing an increasing number of accidents caused by distractions from these interfaces.”
Politico
.
You’ll understand why that isn’t surprising if you’ve ever ridden in a contemporary Volkswagen.
an ID.4
, which requires you to use illuminated touch sliders beneath the display for adjusting the cabin temperature or media volume (though the 2024 update added backlighting across all models except the entry-level one). If you wish to precisely modify your climate settings, you have to do so via the touchscreen—an option that proves more cumbersome than necessary, particularly when Volkswagen’s infotainment system isn’t functioning optimally.
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Volkswagen worsened the driving experience by replacing traditional buttons with haptic panels on the steering wheel. These panels might be triggered inadvertently during use, and they often fail to react properly when intentional contact occurs.
Mercedes is another brand that fully embraced displays, with its touchscreen controls mounted on the steering wheel being particularly notable.
more annoying
then VW’s. Similar to Volkswagen, Mercedes ought to consider reverting to buttons and knobs following statements from the company’s Chief Design Officer, Gorden Wagener, who acknowledged that “
screens aren’t luxury.
This statement originates from a carmaker that provides an extensive 56-inch display consisting of three screens within their vehicles, spanning across the complete width of the dashboard.
Expense has significantly fueled this development. Car manufacturers understand that incorporating a large display in contemporary vehicles is essential for attracting buyers. Consequently, it becomes simpler and more economical to consolidate all functions into a single touchscreen instead of procuring and installing numerous physical buttons. This approach has resulted in considerable user frustration, exemplified by decisions made by brands such as Volkswagen and Volvo.
Their windows switch settings are far more irritating for mere cents in savings.
.
Tesla initiated this trend with
the original Model S
And with its enormous display that made everything appear somewhat outdated. Despite being an impressive screen that pushed traditional car manufacturers to struggle to keep up, once the initial excitement faded, many began questioning if relying solely on a screen-based interface was truly superior.
This issue became more pronounced with subsequent Tesla models. The introduction of the Model 3 Highland pushed minimalist design even further by eliminating the turn signal, windshield wiper, and gear shift stalks altogether. Currently, their vehicles stand as the sole offerings on the automotive market that necessitate swiping on a touchscreen to switch between drive and reverse gears. However, at some point, Tesla acknowledged that removing the indicator stalk went too far.
And it will probably return it, though in a more basic version without any extra features.
Gradually, these businesses appear to be realizing that physical buttons can be crucial for safety when driving at speeds of 65 mph on the highway. Even if this adds a few extra cents to the cost of each vehicle for brands like Volkswagen and Tesla, it appears to be a beneficial compromise.
