Tag Archives: physical buttons

NEWS

China to ban yoke steering wheels, mandate physical buttons starting in 2027

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) of China is reported to implement two new automotive safety standards starting next year (2027).

This implementation is expected to have a significant impact on the design of modern vehicles, particularly electric vehicle (EV) models that feature minimalist cockpits and yoke steering wheels.

 

No More F1-Style Steering Wheels

The latest national safety standard GB 11557-202X which has been published, will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

This change is necessitated by the current standard (GB 1157-2011), which has been in use since 2011 and is no longer relevant to the latest technology.

The most critical change is the removal of exemptions for human impact testing, meaning all vehicle models must pass this test.

The new standard will also require testing at ten specific points on the steering wheel rim, including the weakest parts and areas without support.

Thus, it will be nearly impossible for any yoke-style steering wheel, which lacks a top portion, to meet the new standards.

From a safety perspective, data shows that 46% of driver injuries stem from steering mechanisms.

The traditional round design provides a larger impact absorption area, whereas yoke steering wheels increase the risk of secondary injury.

Many drivers have also reported difficulties in making U-turns and parking when using yoke steering wheels.

 

Mandatory Physical Buttons

In related developments, China has also finalized amendments to the GB 4094-2016 standard, which will require physical buttons for basic vehicle functions starting July 1, 2027.

This measure aims to reduce the reliance on infotainment screens that are increasingly dominating the designs of modern EV cockpits.

Functions that will require physical controls include:

  • Turn signal lights
  • Hazard lights
  • Horn
  • Gear shifting (PRND) (prohibition of gear shifting through the screen)
  • Activation button for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Windshield wipers, defroster/defogger, power windows
  • Emergency call system, EV power switch

Additional requirements will also be set, such as:

  • Minimum button size of 10 mm x 10 mm
  • Fixed position
  • Operable without looking
  • Must function even if the vehicle’s system fails
NEWS

“It’s a car, not a phone”: Volkswagen reintroduces physical control buttons

After several years, Volkswagen has finally admitted that the minimalist approach taken in the design of their vehicle cabins was a significant mistake.

This minimalist approach involved cramming all vehicle control functions into a central touchscreen and completely removing physical control buttons from the cabin.

In a report by Autocar, VW’s head of design Andreas Mindt acknowledged this mistake and promised to revert to a previous approach.

“Starting with the ID.2all model and beyond, we will reintroduce physical control buttons for the five most important functions – audio volume, temperature control for both the driver and passenger sides, airflow control, and hazard lights – beneath the main screen.

“This functionality will be reimplemented in every vehicle we produce. This time, we will not repeat this mistake.

“On the steering wheel, we will also bring back physical buttons. They provide feedback, create a real experience, and people will appreciate this feature.

“To be honest, it’s a car, not a phone,” he added.

The measures taken by VW are also a response to requirements set by Euro NCAP, which starting in 2026, will not allow a vehicle to achieve the maximum five-star rating unless it features physical controls for the horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard lights, and SOS functions.

Since Tesla pioneered this minimalist approach, more manufacturers have attempted to follow the trend by offering simpler cabin layouts — meaning drivers must rely entirely on the screen to change necessary settings, especially while driving.

The situation has worsened with some vehicle models that do not have physical levers for turn signals, windshield wipers, or transmission.

In fact, in the name of cost savings, some manufacturers have even relocated window switches to the central console. While this creates a minimalist appearance, it ultimately complicates the user experience.