Tesla has reportedly added the option of a traditional round steering wheel in the configurator for its Model X and Model S electric vehicles (EVs). The option is available at no extra cost, and those who have already purchased a Model S or X with the yoke steering wheel can pay a $700 fee to have it replaced with the round wheel.
Tesla has updated its Design Studio to offer a choice between a traditional round steering wheel or a yoke steering wheel for new buyers. Both options are included in the price of the vehicle, with no additional charge for selecting one over the other. The Design Studio currently defaults to the round steering wheel option.
Some Tesla owners had criticized the yoke wheel for being impractical for one-handed use and awkward to use at slow speeds, as well as potentially unsafe in emergency situations.
When Tesla released the new Model S with its unique “yoke” steering wheel, it sparked controversy among some consumers.
Some raised concerns about the shape of the steering wheel potentially causing problems, while others were concerned about the absence of a drive stalk to select the drive mode.
