It's no secret that Tesla not only stands for smart electric cars, but also for curious modes and gadgets. However, with the introduction of the revised Model S and Model X, a feature was added for the first time that caused controversy.
We are talking about the yoke steering wheel, which looks more like a racing car steering wheel than the steering unit of a normal car due to the absence of the upper part.
Yoke steering from Tesla: What's new?
According to CEO Musk, the Yoke steering wheel was introduced at Tesla to provide a better view of the driver's display. At the same time, the levers for the gearshift, which is now controlled by buttons below the display, and for the windshield wipers have also disappeared. The design now looks even more futuristic than we already know it from Tesla.
Tesla Yoke in Germany: also interchangeable with a normal steering wheel?
Whether Tesla Model X or Tesla Model S: Yoke steering wheels require a familiarization phase. However, initial users report that they no longer pose a problem after a few days of careful driving.
You can't deselect the yoke steering wheel at the US carmaker anyway, it remains the only option. However, there are increasing indications that Tesla is reworking the new models and developing a conventional steering wheel alternative in the process.
Update: Since the beginning of 2023, the car manufacturer now offers the option of deselecting the Yoke steering wheel. In terms of price, it makes no difference whether you opt for the conventional steering wheel or the yoke version.
The approval of the steering wheel in Europe is probably not a problem: The Dutch vehicle licensing authority came to the conclusion that the EU directives do not specify the shape of a steering wheel.
This means that the unusual Tesla steering wheel can be registered not only in the Netherlands, but throughout Europe and therefore also in Germany.
Source contribution image: SCREEN POST via Unsplash
