It's no secret that Tesla not only stands for smart electric cars, but also for curious modes and gimmicks. 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, due to the absence of the upper part, looks more like a racing car steering wheel than the steering unit of a normal car.
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 via 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.
The yoke steering wheel cannot be deselected by the US car manufacturer 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 as part of this process.
Update: Since the beginning of 2023, the car manufacturer has been offering the optionof deselecting the Yoke steering wheel. It makes no difference to the price whether you opt for the conventional steering wheel or the Yoke variant.
Registration of the steering wheel in Europe is probably not a problem: The Dutch vehicle registration authority came to the conclusion that the EU directives do not specify any requirements regarding the shape of a steering wheel.
This means that the unusual Tesla steering wheel can be approved not only in the Netherlands, but throughout Europe and therefore also in Germany.
Source contribution image: SCREEN POST via Unsplash
