The Tesla Yoke: A Revolutionary Change in Driving Experience
Recent controversies surrounding Tesla's Model S have sparked a lot of discussion on their controversial yoke steering wheel design. So, what exactly is the Tesla yoke, and why have some customers found it worth sticking with despite potential limitations?
Overview of the Tesla Yoke
No, the standard Model S will not have a yoke. As you can see from a screenshot of Tesla's website, only the Model S "Plaid" currently features this design, and it is not optional. Other models, including traditional Model S, as well as the upcoming CyberTruck, continue to use a conventional steering wheel.
Production and Timeline
There was an initial confusion when a July delivery was mentioned. I inquired with Tesla's sales department, but they were unable to provide a clear timeline for when production of the conventional steering wheels would resume. It appears that in June, they produced the S model exclusively for employees and friends as part of a special line.
Legal Requirements and Future Options
It's believed that the CyberTruck may also receive a yoke option in the near future. Additionally, regulations in some European countries might require conventional steering wheels, leading to the possibility of Tesla offering both designs in the future.
Safety Benefits of the Yoke
Despite the initial controversy, the yoke appears to offer several safety benefits:
Protective Features
The yoke design allows for better protection during severe shocks and airbag deployment. When the driver's hands are placed at the top of a full steering wheel (11:05) in case of a sudden impact, the airbag can cause severe injuries, including broken arms and shoulders. However, when the hands are positioned at the sides (09:15 or ten and ten), the airbag inflates safely while the driver's arms are spread out, protecting the shoulders.
Enhanced Visibility
Using a yoke also improves visibility since the round shape of a conventional steering wheel can obstruct the driver's view of the dashboard. With the yoke, this obstacle is eliminated, making it easier to read and respond to in-car information.
Avoiding Unsafe Positions
Conventional steering wheels can lead to drivers crossing their arms while turning, which is an unsafe position. The yoke design prevents this, ensuring that drivers maintain a safe position that they would have learned during driving lessons.
Customer Experiences
Those who have invested in the Model S Plaid have found the yoke to be an integral part of the vehicle. After driving for about three months, one customer states that they wouldn't trade the yoke to anyone for $5,000, highlighting the significant improvements in driving experience provided by the yoke steering design.
Whether or not the yoke will become a standard feature in all Tesla vehicles remains to be seen, but it's clear that it serves as a safety and convenience measure that many drivers find invaluable in modern electric vehicles.