Volkswagen electric car ID.3 communicates using light

The ID.3, the first model from the new all-electric ID. family stands for the future of the Volkswagen brand – with a large range, impressive driving dynamics, pioneering design and the innovative ID. Light concept. The intelligent light concept in the interior supports the driver visually and makes communication with the ID.3 more emotional.

Not only does this car’s voice control obey your every word, the ID.3 also communicates visually with its occupants – thanks to the completely new intelligent ID. Light concept. An LED strip that runs across the cockpit assists the driver by changing colour according to the current function.

Once they have settled into the driver seat, ID. Light signals to the driver that the vehicle’s drive system is active and that the car has been unlocked or locked. It accentuates information issued by the driver assist and navigation systems and signals braking prompts and incoming phone calls.

In conjunction with the navigation system, ID. Light reduces the stress of driving in traffic. By blinking, it recommends changing lane and can also warn the driver if their ID.3 is in the wrong lane. ID. Light also supports voice control: it responds to the voices of vehicle occupants by sending a light signal. This indicates whether the voice control assistant is responding to the driver or the front passenger.

Familiar colours aid communication

“For all its innovativeness, ID. Light functions intuitively by using familiar colours,” says Valentina Wilhelm, User Experience Designer at Volkswagen. A fully charged battery is indicated by the colour green whereas a warning such as a braking manoeuvre is indicated by red. While on the exterior, the headlights imitate eye movements, light lends the interior additional character. According to Ms Wilhelm: “This use of light, makes the vehicle more ‘personable’ and is a very simple and intuitive way of communicating.”