Kia embraces physical button controls

Modern electric cars tend to resemble smartphones on wheels; however, Kia has decided to oppose the all-touchscreen control trend. The manufacturer will retain physical buttons in the interiors of its new models, guided by safety considerations and customer demand, according to The Drive.

Why classics beat touchscreens

Tom Kearns, chief designer at Kia Design Center America, confirmed that the company does not plan to assign all controls to touchscreens. Models such as the EV9 will continue to be equipped with physical switches for controlling volume and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

The primary reason is safety. Research indicates that using touchscreens significantly distracts drivers.

Kearns emphasized that drivers can adjust a knob without looking at it, which is not possible with a touchscreen.

Preference differences: the U.S. vs. China

The brand’s management believes that American drivers want tactile feedback, while preferences differ in the Chinese market, where the average age of EV buyers is significantly lower and younger drivers expect a «smart cockpit» with advanced software and voice control.