- The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y don’t have an instrument cluster.
- All the information is displayed on the single center screen.
- This simple DIY project wants to change that by adding a small driver display in front of the steering wheel.
It’s a well-known fact that Tesla’s in-vehicle software is one of the best, if not the best in the industry. That said, there are people out there who miss a somewhat traditional gauge cluster in front of the steering wheel of the Model 3 and Model Y.
There are loads of aftermarket options available but what if you just want something simple, small and relatively inexpensive? As always, the DIY community is here to help with a cool project that was put together by MrDIY.
The small display is powered by an ESP32 board that gets data wirelessly from an OBD adapter. The screen and logic board get power through a USB cable but data is sent exclusively over the air. This means the screen goes to sleep when the car is turned off and wakes up “instantly” when the EV wakes up, according to the video embedded at the top of this page.
A 3D-printed case is needed for both the screen/board combo and the OBD adapter and the screen is held in place on the steering column with double-sided tape. All the parts needed are listed in the video’s description.
The information displayed mirrors the data on the car’s main screen and includes just the essentials, like speed, the gear you’re in, the remaining range and some simple icons for things like an open door. As a nice bonus, there’s also a dark mode.
These are all the components needed for this project.
If you’re not into coding, rest assured. After you buy all the components from eBay, AliExpress or wherever else you might find them for sale, all you need to do is flash the software through a simple web interface, put everything together, and you’re done!
The cost? Under $150, depending on how much you pay for the hardware, plus a few hours of your time, but I say it’s well worth it. It boots up instantly–which is a big win compared to Android-based units that do the same thing–and it looks good.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric sedan designed and manufactured by Tesla, Inc. It’s one of the most popular electric vehicles (EVs) globally, known for its impressive range, advanced technology, and strong performance.
Key Features of the Tesla Model 3:
- Performance: The Model 3 is available in several configurations, including Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance variants. The Performance model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds.
- Range: Depending on the configuration, the Model 3 offers a range of up to 358 miles (approximately 576 km) on a single charge (Long Range variant), making it suitable for both daily commutes and longer trips.
- Autopilot and Full Self-Driving: Tesla’s Autopilot is a suite of advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automated lane changes. Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is an optional upgrade that aims to provide more advanced features like auto-steering in city streets, traffic light recognition, and more.
- Interior and Technology: The Model 3 features a minimalist interior with a single 15-inch touchscreen serving as the primary interface for all controls. It supports over-the-air software updates, which can enhance performance, add new features, and fix bugs.
- Safety: The Model 3 has received high safety ratings from various organizations, including a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. It is built with a strong passenger compartment, impact-absorbing crumple zones, and advanced safety features.
- Charging: The Model 3 can be charged using Tesla’s Supercharger network, as well as home charging solutions. Superchargers provide fast charging, replenishing up to 175 miles of range in just 15 minutes, depending on the charging station’s power.
- Design and Build: The Model 3 features a sleek, aerodynamic design, with a glass roof that extends from front to back, providing a spacious feel inside the car. It also has a low center of gravity due to the battery pack being located in the floor, enhancing handling and safety.
