Breaking down the prejudices

The automotive industry is currently in the midst of the biggest change in its history as it attempts to establish emissions-free vehicles across the globe. Electric mobility is a key piece of technology in this process. However, it is still met with a great deal of scepticism. The majority of electric mobility’s critics focus on low driving ranges, a lack of fun behind the wheel, and poor charging infrastructure. So, are these prejudices against electric mobility actually justified?

The horse appeared to be much faster and more versatile than this new contraption on four wheels (or three wheels as it was back then). And horses didn’t need refuelling either.

Nowadays, there are over one billion cars on roads around the world, including more than two million electric vehicles. The ID. family* – Volkswagen’s new generation of electric vehicles – is soon set to drive into the future with a range of up to 550 km. So, “temporary” definitely looks a little different.

At that time, light bulbs, railways and diesel engines had brought added comfort to everyday life. What could possibly be more sensational than that? Apart from “smaller and temporary inventions” like the television, computers, the Internet, modern cars and aircraft, and space travel, for instance…

Luckily, Duell’s statement didn’t discourage the world’s major inventors from letting their ideas run wild. The car benefited from progress in various areas, such as safety, comfort and driver assist systems. Intelligent systems like parking aids, park assist steering and traffic sign recognition already help to make our daily lives a little bit easier. Zero-emissions drive systems and assisted driving are both exciting fields of innovation for the future and are already partly a reality.

A miss is as good as a mile: The likeable group of mop tops from Liverpool took the music world by storm and are still considered one of the best bands of all time. According to estimates, they have sold up to one billion records. A small consolation for Decca: As a result, they did then believe in guitar music after all and went on to sign acts like The Rolling Stones.

With visionary technology and puristic design, the Volkswagen ID.3* is just as revolutionary today as the Beatles were back in the 1960s. Or the Beetle was in the 1950s. Or the Golf in the 1970s. Both models are by far two of the world’s most successful cars of all time. And equally, the ID.3* has the potential to follow the Beetle and Golf by making history and opening up the third major chapter of strategic importance in Volkswagen’s story.

Back in those days, a silent film was like music to the ears of each and every film-goer. Controversial but true: Silent films weren’t really silent. They actually had a musical soundtrack. While stars like Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd attracted huge crowds at the time, the silent film was dead a mere ten years after Warner’s prediction and the “talkie” had taken its place. Nowadays, audiences feel like they’re part of the action thanks to multiple sound channels. A journey into space in films like Star Wars become a genuine experience.

However, a lack of sound does not equal a lack of fun – and the electric drive demonstrates just that. The Volkswagen ID.^* can accelerate from 0 to 100 in under eight seconds, making it ideal for a racing start.

And of course, Volkswagen also offers the sound systems needed to provide the perfect soundtrack inside the car…

Strictly speaking, Zanuck was right. Plywood was soon replaced by plastic. However, the television prevailed. Germans spend over three and half hours a day in front of the box – you could almost say it is their favourite hobby. And Germans are no longer just watching television at home. Big screen events are now incredibly popular, with people travelling miles to attend.

Screens have since made their way into modern-day cars and will play a central role in the vehicles in the ID. family*. They display information such as journey data, provide tips for the driver, and make driving and navigating the vehicle even easier.

*ID.3 and ID. family – Concept cars