The Wonderful Silence (Volkswagen Video)
Originally published on EV Obsession.
It’s too bad this video* came out right around the time Volkswagen got busted for horrible fraud, as it’s one of the best electric car commercials I’ve seen. (Thanks to CleanTechnica reader Philip W for passing it along.) On the other hand, maybe it could end up becoming a net positive that it came out within the past week or so, as more eyes than ever are on Volkswagen, and electric cars create the best avenue Volkswagen can go down to clean up its act, make customers happy again, and pull in new buyers… or retain existing ones.
Putting the focus back on the commercial itself, it is a brilliant piece because it highlights a tremendous benefit of electric cars, and a benefit that many are not aware of. I often contend that the two biggest consumer benefits of electric cars are their much greater convenience and instant torque (i.e., awesome acceleration off the line), but another huge one is the silence and smooth ride of an EV. In fact, I think much of the fun of that instant torque is that it comes so quietly and so smoothly.
While those first two benefits of EVs are basically just benefits for the drivers, the silence of EVs greatly benefits others (as do the lack of emissions/pollution, of course). This video does an excellent job showing how a world of EVs could help to improve the quality of life in cities… where most of us live. It seems to capture candid shots of people in awe at the silence of a troupe of white electric Volkswagens taking over a roundabout… as well as the beautiful singing of a youth choir.
If you’ve been reading my articles for years, I think you know that I’m quite critical and dissatisfied with most electric car advertising. It’s nice to see a company (and Volkswagen, at that) do such a good job advertising its electric models. (Oh, yes, it’s also nice that it is showing off that it has a fleet of electric options.) If you haven’t watched the commercial yet, I hope I’ve inspired you to click play now.
And I know the cool thing to do right now is to shame Volkswagen, but don’t be afraid to share this commercial — it, its creators, and the creators of Volkswagen’s electric cars deserve it.
*Note: If you can’t watch the video above in your country, here’s another option:
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