Volkswagen is bringing back traditional door handles, but… why? For more than 100 years, car door handles have been practically the same: a piece that sticks out of the door and that you pull to open the door. However, in the last couple of years, especially with the arrival of futuristic electric cars, these door handles have started to disappear.
In many electric models, traditional door handles were replaced by flush door handles. These are flat and don’t stick out of the door and they only move when you push or pull them. Of course, they are modern and elegant, but Volkswagen believes they are not the best option for everyone. So, let’s find out more about the company’s decision.
Why flush door handles became so popular
They were more than an attractive design detail, electric vehicle manufacturers defend them because of several reasons:
- Less resistance to the air: since they are flat, the car is a bit more aerodynamic, which slightly improves battery’s autonomy.
- Safer: some are electronic, making it harder for thieves to break into the car.
- Futuristic style: they give the car a clean and modern appearance that many manufactures seek for their electric models.
Yet, not all brands think this type of door handles are the best idea and Volkswagen is part of that opposite group.
Volkswagen puts its faith in tradition
The company has decided to leave flush door handles behind and bring back the classic design. According to Thomas Schäfer, chief of the company, clients value simplicity and what’s familiar. Schäfer explained himself:
“People expect some sort of familiarity with the vehicle, with the brand, that they are buying into. It’s all nice to have these flush door handles but they are terrible to operate, so we definitely have proper door handles on the cars and customers appreciate it. It’s the feedback we’re getting.”
In fact, one of its most conceptual models, the ID. Every1, included flush door handles. However, after hearing the critics, Volkswagen replaced them very fast by the classic door handles that stick out the door. For Schäfer, the most important thing is design, quality, and that the car is easy to use.
Safety
This is a key point that has concerned people about the flush door handles because of:
- Rescue problems. First responders, like paramedics and firefighters, have reported difficulty opening cars with flush handles after accidents. This can slow down rescue efforts when every second counts.
- Electronic failures. If the car is badly damaged, electronic handles may fail to work, making it impossible to open the door.
- Confusion in stressful moments. Children, elderly passengers, or anyone panicking might not know how to use flush handles.
- Cold weather issues. In some countries, people have reported these handles freezing shut in low temperatures.
These concerns have even led to a proposed ban on flush door handles in China, the worst thing? This is one of the largest electric vehicle manufacturers countries and this decision could have a huge impact on the rest of the world.
Volkswagen’s vision
With Thomas Schäfer as the leader, Volkswagen is rethinking what a modern car must be. So, instead of following the trends just to have a futuristic style, the brand is relying on what’s practical, safe, and comfortable.
For the company, the best car is the one that’s easy to use on a daily basis and door handles are a great example of how design directly influences the driving experience.
The future of Volkswagen in electric cars
Meanwhile other manufacturers look for attracting innovations, Volkswagen proves that sometimes what’s traditional is the best option. After including classic door handles again, it combines modern technology of electric cars with a familiar and functional design.
I know many car lovers might not agree with Volkswagen because they value the design and exclusivity, but for average people who need the car to go to work, go shopping or any other daily activity what’s most important is that the car properly works and that is suitable for everyday usage.