Tesla Model 3 to get turn signal stalk

Tesla's new Model Y came with a surprise: a turn signal stalk, unlike the also recently refreshed Model 3. The two cars won't keep having this difference between them for long, according to a new rumor.

That's because Tesla is allegedly going to add the turn signal stalk to the new Model 3 as well at some point. This comes from a usually reliable source of Tesla-related information.

For now, it's unclear if the turn signal stalk will also be offered as a retrofit to those who bought a Model 3 without it.

The stalk will only have one function: indicating turns. Nothing else. It won't even get multi-stage turn signals (short three flashes or staying on), so basically it feels like something straight out of the 80s.

Tesla VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy recently explained the company's philosophy of removing superfluous parts, but it now seems like the turn signal stalk wasn't that superfluous - a lot of people find it jarring when it's missing. So the company has adapted with the new Model Y and added a basic one back.

In case you're now hoping for Tesla to add back the other stalk too, the one that used to control shifting from Drive to Reverse and Park, don't hold your breath. The shifting functionality will remain on screen or available via the buttons on the ceiling close to the hazards button. And Autopilot activation will remain on the steering wheel.

While having just one stalk on one side of the steering wheel may look odd, Moravy said Tesla didn't receive many complaints about shifting or Autopilot use sans stalk, so that one will stay gone, perhaps forever.

Source | Via