Tesla is set to release a new and improved version of its controversial Yoke steering wheel in July 2023, according to a Service Advisor who spoke to Reddit user u/Global_Chaos. The new Yoke will feature “improved materials” and will be available for servicing from July 2023.
“We do not recommend replacing the Yoke until improved parts are available,” the Tesla Service Advisor advised.
This news comes just weeks after Tesla began offering a retrofit round steering wheel kit for the Yoke for $700 on its website. The Yoke, which was first implemented on Model S and Model X refreshes in Summer 2021, has been a polarizing feature for Tesla owners.
The Yoke was originally a standard feature on these vehicles, but in early 2023, Tesla began offering buyers the option to have a traditional round wheel fitted on their vehicle. The July 2023 timeline for the new and improved Yoke coincides with Tesla’s proposed timeline for the start of Cybertruck production.
After the most recent Beta production builds featured a new Yoke design, it is possible that Tesla could offer something similar to what it displayed at the recent Investor Day. The Yoke design seen in the Cybertruck’s interior is more round and slightly different than the current iteration that Tesla offers.
Tesla has a history of improving vehicle materials, such as opting for more sustainable vegan leather several years ago. With the Yoke being the subject of some complaints, particularly due to its lack of stalks for turn signals and other standard vehicle functions, the v2 Yoke could potentially be a vast improvement.
See also: Tesla offers round steering wheel option for new Model S/X
While it is unclear at this point what the new Yoke design will look like, the timing of its release in relation to Cybertruck production suggests that it could be similar to the design seen in the Cybertruck’s interior.
Tesla’s commitment to improving its products and materials is a testament to the company’s drive for innovation and sustainability. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, it will be interesting to see what other advancements they make in the coming years.
