The launch of the restyled Model Y in China allows you to discover the changes made to this 100% electric SUV. The opportunity to see that Tesla is a priori reversing its jacket regarding the disappearance of the indicator switch on the Model 3.
After weeks and weeks of speculation, the new Model Y is here. Tesla has launched its new 100% electric SUV in China and we don’t need to wait for its marketing in Europe to discover its exciting new features. On the outside, the car sports a reworked design, more futuristic with its lighting signature. Inside, this restyled Model Y is inspired by the Model 3, except for one detail.
We don’t necessarily notice it when we look at the images without a magnifying glass, but the Model Y seems to have a turn signal switch. We can see it on the Hong Kong configurator – with the steering wheel on the left – or notice, in this promotional video, that the steering wheel has no capacitive button to signal that you are turning left or right. A step back that could be applauded, hoping that it is not a mistake on Tesla’s part and that all markets will be affected.
The return of switches on the Tesla Model Y is a blessing
The disappearance of the controls is not unanimous: it forces us to forget our reflexes developed over years (a flick of the controls up or down), in favor of questionable ergonomics. Try activating the turn signals on the steering wheel of a Model 3 in a roundabout, and you’ll see how little you gain in comfort. Worse, this modification can lead to confusion in use, especially if you lend your vehicle to someone. For Tesla, the idea is to save a few pennies and, thus, improve its margin.
This step back in reality recalls another reversal of Tesla’s jacket, also linked to this desire to believe that ergonomics can be improved with disruptive choices. When the American manufacturer launched the new Model S and the new Model X, it opted for a rectangular steering wheel: the Yoke, installed as standard. It ended up being offered as a paid option — a sign that this change was not well received by early customers.
Note, however, that Tesla does not seem inclined to bring back the switch which is used to engage forward or reverse gear: everything will go through the screen, with a slider which, again, requires some new habits to adopt (however less annoying than flashing lights). We would therefore be on a mix between two ergonomics: a historical one and the one that Tesla is trying to impose.
Another new feature that could improve the driving experience compared to the Model 3: the appearance of a camera on the front bumper, allowing the Model Y to better “see” what is in front of it (the elements bottom in head) — especially during maneuvers thanks to Tesla Vision. On this subject, we recall that certain promotional photos of the Model 3 suggested the introduction of this device, ultimately absent from the models on sale.
