Tesla, a pioneer in the electric vehicle industry, has long been known for its innovative approach to automotive design. However, the company’s introduction of the yoke steering wheel in the Model S and Model X has been met with some controversy, particularly regarding its lack of a traditional horn button. After years of debate and customer feedback, Tesla has finally announced the release of a new version of the yoke steering wheel, now featuring a regular airbag horn.
Due to the lack of a joystick, Tesla has previously used pressure-touch buttons on the steering wheel to switch some key functions. This includes functions such as turn signals and horns. However, @dkrasniy discovered that Tesla has begun to provide a new version of the Yoke steering wheel. This new version is coming with the Model S and Model X. The biggest change may be the addition of a new physical horn button. Also, the overall manufacturing quality has been improved.
The Model S previously delivered by Tesla adopted a shift-lever-less design. All controls required during driving can be completed through the Yoke steering wheel. However, it is very different from the joystick mode of a conventional steering wheel.
The Yoke Steering Wheel: A Brief History
When Tesla unveiled the new Model S with the yoke steering wheel, it was a bold departure from the traditional round steering wheel design. The yoke, which resembles a butterfly shape, was intended to provide a more immersive driving experience. It also aims to align with Tesla’s vision of a future where steering wheels are no longer necessary. However, the yoke steering wheel’s lack of a traditional horn button and the absence of drive stalks for selecting drive modes were points of contention for some customers.
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The Case for a Regular Horn
Tesla’s decision to include a regular horn in the new yoke steering wheel is a significant concession to customer feedback. The touch-sensitive horn button, which was introduced with the refreshed Model S and Model X, was difficult to locate in emergencies and was considered inconvenient and potentially dangerous. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, famously tweeted, “almost all input is an error,” but it seems that in this case, the company has decided to listen to its customers.
The New Yoke Steering Wheel: A Closer Look
The new yoke steering wheel features a physical horn button located at the center of the wheel. It is just where the airbag is typically found. This design allows drivers to honk the horn by simply leaning towards the airbag. This is a more intuitive and natural method compared to the previous touch-sensitive button.
In addition to the new horn button, Tesla has also improved the build quality of the yoke steering wheel. The company has addressed customer concerns about the yoke’s durability and comfort. It particularly addresses the issues at low speeds and when manoeuvring in tight spaces.
The addition of a regular horn to the yoke steering wheel is a significant step towards making the design more user-friendly and practical. However, it remains to be seen whether Tesla will continue to develop the yoke steering wheel. We do not know if the company will eventually return to a more traditional round steering wheel design. The company has been working on progressive steering, which would enable a nonlinear steering curve. However, this feature is still years away.
Conclusion
Tesla decided to include a regular horn in the new yoke steering wheel. This is a testament to the company’s willingness to listen to customer feedback and adapt its designs accordingly. The new yoke steering wheel with a central horn button is a step towards making the design more practical. It is also user-friendly, while still maintaining Tesla’s innovative spirit. As Tesla continues to refine its yoke steering wheel design, it will be interesting to see how the company balances innovation with practicality and customer satisfaction.
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