Tesla hasn’t quite given up on its controversial steering yoke. But the company no longer offers it as standard equipment on its Model S sedan or Model X SUV.
Tesla buyers can still get the pilot-style yoke. But it’s now a $250 option.
What Is This All About?
Tesla has built its reputation on the idea that it thinks differently than other automakers. Part of the appeal of its cars is their environmental credibility. But, with several dozen electric cars now for sale from many manufacturers, that alone doesn’t explain Tesla’s success.
Since 2021, Tesla has outsold BMW, making it America’s best-selling luxury automaker (though we get a fair amount of mail suggesting that it’s no longer a luxury automaker after recent price cuts).
It got there, in part, by building a high-tech maverick image.
In 2021, the company redesigned the cabins of its two most expensive products, the Model S and Model X. In the process, it replaced the traditional steering wheel with a smaller, rectangular yoke like that found in some airplanes.
Immediately Controversial
The move immediately won praise and detractors, just like every other step Tesla takes. Fans loved that Tesla had solved an old-fashioned problem in a new way. Detractors pointed out that it might be harder to use.
Sure enough, within days, videos emerged of drivers struggling to make simple turns with the yoke. It proved difficult to make low-speed hand-over-hand turns with it.
Tesla Backtracked
Tesla (kinda) conceded defeat early this year, bringing back the steering wheel. Buyers could choose either steering control device for no cost.
The company also offered the wheel as an aftermarket replacement part for owners frustrated with their yokes. The product sold out quickly.
Now, Tesla has once again made the humble steering wheel standard equipment.
Yoke fans, however, can still get a Tesla like a Cessna. The yoke is now a $250 option.
Other automakers, we should point out, commonly use yokes in concept cars meant only for display. The idea pre-dates Tesla. But only Tesla has attempted to sell one in the U.S. Toyota sells an optional steering yoke on its all-electric bZ4X in Japan.
But Toyota solved the hand-over-hand turn problem by varying steering ratios with speed so that low-speed turns are more aggressive, and hand-over-hand turns are not necessary.
