GIVING electric models their own distinct identities must have seemed like a great idea at the time, but the ID. card appears to have backfired on Volkswagen.

VW first introduced the ID. naming concept in 2018. It designates the stand-alone all-electric product range in the Volkswagen brand portfolio. The first model to be launched was the ID.3. Further models followed, which are also differentiated by model numbers depending on the vehicle segment.

But in the process, VW now feels it may have lost touch with the model identities cherished by many owners who have loyally bought Golfs, Polos and other well-known VW petrol and diesel models down the years.

So it's back to the future for the German brand, which is now changing course and adding more familiar names to identify its fully electrified models. Although the ID designation will remain for electric models, each will have a familiar name added rather than a number.

First in line will be the ID. Polo which will make its world debut under heavy camouflage at the big IAA German motor show in Munich this month and is due to go into production next year. There'll also be an ID. Polo GTi to set enthusiasts' pulses racing.

Volkswagen will also unveil a concept for an electric compact SUV, the production version of which will be named the ID. Crossand will be launched at the end of 2026 as the electric counterpart to the T-Cross.

VW CEO Thomas Schäfe says: "Our model names are firmly anchored in people's minds. They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That's why we're moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning."

Volkswagen says it will transfer more established names to the electric portfolio with each new model generation. At the same time, all vehicles with conventional drives will continue to run under their previous names.

The company's sales and marketing chief, Martin Sander, explains: "Our cars often accompany people for many years - they shape memories and stages of life. That's precisely why we are again giving our ID. models names that arouse emotions and are anchored in people's everyday lives."