Why Are Automakers Like Volkswagen Bringing Back Traditional Door Handles?
If you’ve ever fumbled with a flush, pop-out door handle on a chilly morning, you’re not alone. Volkswagen’s CEO, Thomas Schäfer, recently admitted something car buyers have been grumbling about for years: people just want door handles that work. After a wave of futuristic, flush designs swept through the electric vehicle (EV) market, VW is making a U-turn. The new ID.Cross and ID.Polo concepts are ditching the sleek but finicky handles in favor of the classic, grab-and-go style.
It’s not just nostalgia driving this change. Schäfer points out that customers crave familiarity and usability, especially when adopting new technology like EVs. “People expect some sort of familiarity with the vehicle, with the brand, that they are buying into,” he explained in a recent interview at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. The feedback is clear: traditional door handles are easier to operate, especially in real-world conditions—think gloves, rain, or just plain impatience.
Interestingly, this isn’t just a VW thing. Regulators in China, the world’s largest car market, are considering banning retractable handles altogether after safety concerns and accident investigations. If that happens, expect a domino effect across the industry. Sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the best.
What Does This Mean for the Future of VW’s Electric Cars?
Volkswagen’s pivot isn’t just about door handles—it’s a sign of a broader shift in how automakers approach electric vehicles. The company is doubling down on making EVs more approachable for mainstream buyers. That means less focus on flashy gimmicks and more on what actually works day-to-day.
The ID.Cross and ID.Polo, both previewed in near-production form, are designed to feel like “real” cars, not science experiments. Yes, they might give up a tiny bit of aerodynamic efficiency by using traditional handles, but the trade-off is worth it for most buyers. After all, what’s the point of a car that looks great in a wind tunnel but frustrates you every time you try to get in?
This approach is backed by data. According to a 2023 J.D. Power study, usability and intuitive controls are among the top factors influencing EV satisfaction. When carmakers get too clever for their own good, customers notice—and not in a good way.
Is the Push for Electric Vehicles Still on Track?
Schäfer remains bullish on electromobility, calling it the best option for most mainstream buyers. But he’s also realistic about the challenges. The big question: can the industry and infrastructure keep up with ambitious government targets, like the European Union’s proposed ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2035?
Charging infrastructure, battery supply chains, and consumer demand all need to ramp up—fast. “The end result is clear,” Schäfer said, “but whether it’s a couple of years later, it needs to be reviewed.” He’s not alone in that thinking. A recent report from the International Energy Agency suggests that while EV adoption is accelerating, infrastructure growth is struggling to keep pace in many regions.
VW’s strategy is to keep options open. While they’re investing heavily in EVs, they’re not ruling out ICE models sticking around a bit longer, especially in markets where charging networks are lagging. Flexibility, not dogma, seems to be the new mantra.
Are Familiar Features the Key to Mainstream EV Adoption?
Here’s the thing: most buyers aren’t looking for a spaceship. They want a car that feels comfortable, intuitive, and reliable. That’s why VW’s return to basics—like traditional door handles—is more than just a design tweak. It’s a signal that the company is listening to real-world feedback.
Other automakers are taking note. As the EV market matures, expect to see more brands emphasizing usability over novelty. The lesson? Sometimes, innovation means knowing when to stick with what works.
The big takeaway? The future of electric vehicles isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Sometimes, it’s the little things—like a door handle you don’t have to think about—that make all the difference.