Tesla Finally Heeds Gripes To Incorporate Normal Steering Wheels In Models S, X

If you’re contemplating purchasing a Tesla but can’t come around to its controversial ‘yoke’ steering wheel, here’s your chance. The automaker has finally relented, and is now allowing drivers the option of a typical, round steering wheel on Model S and Model X vehicles. 

The reviews of the “yoke” steering wheel haven’t been all that great, with Electrek noting that its 14:0:1 steering ratio has proven to be impractical when cruising at lower speeds. This is due to the automaker not equipping the wheel with a nonlinear steering curve in its steer-by-wire system.

Worse still, the odd design could become potentially dangerous in winter conditions. Its shape could make it harder for drivers to regain control of their vehicles compared to the usual round steering wheel. 

As someone who has been driving on icy roads all of my life (Quebec born and bred), I can see it be a real problem for some maneuvers to regain controls in some slips. pic.twitter.com/ybJ5DOKRjJ

— Fred Lambert (@FredericLambert) June 15, 2021

For now, it seems Tesla’s progressive steering capabilities, while in the works, might still be years away, and despite claiming the yoke steering wheel offered “better visibility,” has finally decided to offer the other option in its online configurator for Model S and Model X cars. 

When selecting the option online, it seems the different steering wheel will not affect the price of the vehicle, nor will it result in delayed production. Hopefully, this will give drivers more control, and allow those more comfortable with the typical round wheel to stick with it. 

[via Electrek and Futurism, cover image via Wachiwit | Dreamstime.com]