Key Takeaways
- Volkswagen, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz are moving away from confusing alphanumeric naming conventions for their electric vehicles (EVs).
- Volkswagen plans to reintroduce traditional names for new EV models, such as “Buzz” for its microvan.
- Toyota will shorten its “bZ” nomenclature, integrating existing model names for future EVs, while Mercedes-Benz will use a new naming strategy for upcoming models.
Shifting Preferences in EV Naming
In response to growing confusion surrounding EV nomenclature, major automakers like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Mercedes-Benz are reconsidering their naming strategies for electric vehicles. This shift is driven by the realization that initial naming conventions, intended to differentiate EVs from traditional models, have become unclear as the market expands.
Volkswagen initiated its “ID” naming system during one of the industry’s most ambitious EV development programs. The line began with the ID.4 and has since included models like the ID.3, ID.5, and sporty ID.7 sedan. However, with the introduction of the versatile ID.Buzz microvan, Volkswagen is moving towards conventional naming. The company’s marketing chief, Martin Sander, indicated that future models will adopt traditional names, with the upcoming ID.Every1 and ID.2all under consideration for names like “Up” and “Polo.”
In a similar vein, Toyota’s EV strategy initially featured songs like the bZ4X, which proved unwieldy amid sales challenges. As part of a significant update expected in 2026, Toyota plans to simplify the naming, adopting “bZ” while introducing more accessible names such as the off-road variant, bZ Woodlands. Marketing chief Mike Tripp mentioned that leveraging existing model names enhances recognition, a strategy likely to extend to upcoming models over the next 12 to 18 months.
Mercedes-Benz is also moving away from its “EQ” nomenclature for electric vehicles. The upcoming all-electric G-Wagen, previously referred to as EQG, will instead be named the G580 with EQ Technology. This marks the beginning of a broader shift where current EQ models will eventually be rebranded.
While these marquee brands transition their naming strategies, other automakers are exploring alternative approaches. Brands like BMW maintain their “I” designation for electric models. General Motors has opted for familiar names with a twist, adding “EV” to its established vehicle titles like Equinox and Silverado. Even Cadillac is stepping away from its alphanumeric naming with its all-electric Lyriq, while future models will include Optiq and Vistiq, alongside the Escalade IQ.
As the electric vehicle market expands, and with numerous models set to debut, manufacturers are actively evaluating their own naming conventions. Hyundai and Kia have found success with simpler naming systems that combine familiar elements with a numerical designation. However, the growing number of electric offerings could eventually necessitate further ingenuity in naming.
This wave of changes indicates a clear trend among automakers: a desire for names that resonate more with consumers and help clarify choices in the evolving electric vehicle landscape.
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