Tesla restores fan-favorite feature it controversially removed, starting with the Model 3

In 2021, when Tesla introduced the new and improved Model X and Model S to the public, they looked pretty much the same as their predecessors – however when you looked inside, a popular feature was controversially missing.

The beloved turning stalks had disappeared and the whole steering wheel had been replaced by a ‘yoke’.

Tesla’s modus operandi has always been ‘the best part is no part’, but even Tesla had to admit that maybe removing the normal steering wheel and stalks was one removal too many.

After public backlash, it looks like the stalks are coming back with the Model 3, so everyone can breathe easy again.

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The Model 3 is reinvesting in the stalk market

Back in 2021, Tesla drivers were really trying to convince themselves that they didn’t need the turning stalks, and they definitely loved the capacitive buttons on the yoke and the relocated drive controls.

But when the brand offered an option to order your Tesla with the original steering wheel, most people jumped at the chance, forcing the brand to admit that maybe it went too far this time.

The manufacturer is very good at correcting its mistakes and even though its MO has always been about streamlining production to reduce operating costs, it finally listened to drivers’ concerns.

Even Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Engineering admitted to Jay Leno that it might have removed one part too many.

Everyone’s favorite Tesla feature is back

There was already a signal stalk in the refreshed Model Y, but the Y always was always chock-full of stalk, so they streamlined the new model by removing the drive stalk and keeping the turning stalks.

Even though the Model Y has a simplified turning stalk set up, a lot of Tesla drivers have admitted it’s far better than the stalkless Model 3.

People loved the turning stalks so much, that companies have even created their own to work with the Tesla software, to make the driving experience more familiar.

And it looks likely that when the Tesla Model 3 is refreshed, it’ll be coming back with the beloved feature following a positive response to the Model Y.

Whispers suggest Tesla is also considering bringing it back for its other models too, but that’s just a rumor at the moment.

So there’s no use in stocking up on replacement off-brand stalks, because it looks like the real thing is returning soon, phew!