Tesla is putting a lot of faith in the yoke steering wheel, which has some people concerned because the Cybertruck and Roadster prototypes both have one.
Progressive steering, which would resolve some of the difficulties with the steering wheel, is still a few years away, according to Elon Musk.
It was a controversial when Tesla introduced the new Model S with the “Yoke” butterfly steering wheel.
Considering that Tesla has been working on a steer-by-wire technology, we assumed the manufacturer wouldn’t risk releasing the controversial yoke steering wheel without a non-linear steering curve allowed by the system.
Meanwhile, after Tesla began distributing the new Model S Plaid this week, we were shocked to discover that the steering wheel had a standard 14.0:1 steering ratio, which is proving to be inconvenient at lower speeds:
In some driving situations, the butterfly becomes not only impracticable but also possibly unsafe.
For example, if you lose control on an ice road, it may be more difficult to restore control with quick maneuvers.
CEO Elon Musk commented of the new wheel, “It’s amazing,” and stated that a progressive steering curve wouldn’t be available for at least a few years:
“I’ve been driving with the yoke for a while and it’s great in my opinion. Progressive steering would require complex gearing or drive-by-wire without direct mechanical link. Will aim for that in a few years.”
Tesla’s new steer-by-wire tech isn’t expected to be available for a few years, so you can only hope for incremental improvements in the steering system until then.
Musk also declined to respond to a question regarding Tesla selling a circular steering wheel as an alternative, despite the fact that the product has been shown on prototypes leading up to the Model S Plaid’s release.
As for the Roadster and the Cybertruck!
Some customers are concerned because it isn’t only about the new Model S.
If Musk prefers the new steering wheel, which is similar to the yoke-style steering wheel shown on the Cybertruck and Roadster prototypes, this is expected to be Tesla’s future.
The Cybertruck and Roadster would have the same difficulties as the present steering systems, plus a few more, specifically for the Cybertruck.
For the Cybertruck when towing and parking while towing, expect the same issues at low speeds and in parking circumstances to be amplified.
Electomo opinion
I’m confused since I believe it looks great and it appears to be a better choice for high-speed applications.
But the issue is whether the disadvantages at low speeds are worth it.
The weird thing to me is that you can please some people here by simply giving a circular steering wheel alternative, and users will be able to fix that issue for themselves.
With that being said, I’m still shocked Tesla agreed to go ahead and make this car without a progressive steering system.
