Tesla's removal of the turn signal arm went down well with very few people. And now the car brand admits that it 'may' have gone too far.
Tesla admits they went too far by removing the traditional turn signal switch. This suggests that Tesla is changing its stance on the controversial turn signal switch that they have implemented in the steering wheel of several of their models.
The Tesla Model 3 is expected to get the traditional stalk back in connection with a facelift later this year, several media outlets report.
– Maybe we've removed too much, says Lars Moravy, Tesla's chief technical officer.
Tesla's decision to remove the turn signal lever and replace it with buttons on the steering wheel has drawn criticism from several quarters. Among the critics is Swedish road safety expert Jeanette Jedbäck Hindenburg, who has called it a 'diabolical invention'.
Several have expressed satisfaction that Tesla chose to keep the turn signal lever in the new Model Y. Lars Moravy explained the reason for the decision in an interview with Jay Leno.
– At Tesla, we have always said that if you don't take away so much that you have to put something back, you haven't taken away enough.
– Well, maybe we took too much away, says Lars Moravy to The Driven .
Now, there are signs that Tesla has listened to the criticism. According to unconfirmed reports from China, Tesla is planning to give the Model 3 a turn signal switch as early as this year. Chris Zheng, who follows Tesla closely, also wrote about the news on the social media X:
– Model 3 will soon add a turn signal handle, he writes.
It is still unknown when exactly the Model 3 will get the turn signal back, and whether the Model S and Model X will follow suit.
It is also unclear whether current Model 3 owners will be able to retrofit a factory-approved turn signal stem. Tesla has not yet commented on these issues.
Back in 2023, Tesla removed the turn signal lever from the Model 3, but now it looks like it's making a comeback. The change comes after massive criticism from car buyers and experts who said it was too dangerous to move the turn signal up onto the steering wheel, where it was difficult to operate in stressful situations.
The new turn signal is expected to be introduced in the Model 3 later this year. It is part of a larger update to the car, which is also expected to include a new interior and a new exterior design.
Tesla has not given any official reason for the change, but it is likely a result of the massive criticism Tesla has received for its current turn signal system. Many car buyers have said they would not buy a Tesla because of it.
The change may also be an attempt by Tesla to increase sales of the Model 3. Sales of the car have fallen in recent months, and the new turn signal may help make the car more attractive to car buyers.
