- Tesla changed its mind about removing all physical controls on the updated Model Y crossover.
- The refreshed EV still has a turn signal stalk on the steering wheel column.
- That’s different from the Cybertruck and facelifted Model 3.
Tesla seems to have ditched its ultra-minimalist approach to physical controls in the name of cost savings with the refreshed Tesla Model Y, also known as “Juniper.” No, we still don’t get actual buttons for controlling the climate system or a volume knob, but at least the turn signal stalk is still there on the steering column.
That’s an obvious reversal from the Cybertruck and refreshed Model 3, both of which have had the functions of the column stalks transferred onto the steering wheel and into the central infotainment touchscreen in the name of minimalism.
The move made the two EVs feel like Formula 1 cars that have dozens of buttons on the steering wheel. But do you know what F1 drivers don’t need? Turn signals. In the real world, though, trying to press a button on the steering wheel while it’s rotated can turn out to be quite dangerous.
It’s a good thing that Tesla came back to its senses and kept the turn signal stalk on the updated Model Y. This is its most important car, selling impressively well around the globe, so it had to be done properly. That said, the right stalk, which was used for gear selection and cruise control, has been removed with the facelift. This means drivers will need to use the central touchscreen to select Drive, Reverse or Park.
Alternatively, there should be a row of buttons somewhere near the rearview mirror, just like on the refreshed Model 3–Tesla hasn’t released the owner’s manual for the updated Model Y, so I don’t know for sure, but seeing how the two cars are based on the same platform and share a lot of parts, it’s likely that the layout will be the same. Even the Cybertruck has PRND buttons near the rearview mirror.
Photo by: Tesla
Chinese-spec Tesla Model Y Juniper with the turn signal stalk visible on the stering column
Photo by: Tesla
Left-hand drive Tesla Model Y. The stalk is still there, it’s just hard to see because it’s in front of the steering wheel. Notice the lack of blinker buttons on the steering wheel.
The steering wheel of the refreshed Model Y looks nearly identical to the one in the facelifted Model Y, with the main difference being a lack of turn signal buttons. Which makes sense because there’s still a turn signal stalk.
Buttons and physical switches are good. Even experts agree, so it’s good that Tesla went down this route with its ultra-popular crossover. An extra driver display would be nice, but I might be asking for too much.
