Tesla sells retrofit turn signal stalk for Model 3 in China
Tesla is now offering a retrofit turn signal stalk for its refreshed Model 3, a notable reversal for a company that had controversially removed the traditional control from its updated electric sedan. This new option, priced at ¥2,499 (approximately $348 USD), is currently available exclusively in the Chinese market. The accessory allows owners to replace the steering wheel buttons that previously governed turn signals with a more conventional stalk.
The decision to eliminate the turn signal and drive stalks was a signature change in the “Highland” Model 3, which first launched in China in 2023 before a global rollout in 2024. This design choice aligned with Tesla’s overarching philosophy of maximal minimalism, aiming to streamline the interior and reduce physical controls. The company appeared to anticipate a future where autonomous driving would render such tactile interfaces redundant, consequently shifting these essential functions to steering wheel buttons and the central touchscreen.
However, this radical departure from established automotive design proved to be a significant point of contention among Model 3 owners. Many drivers found the button-based turn signals counterintuitive and cumbersome, especially during maneuvers requiring quick, precise inputs, such as navigating roundabouts or making lane changes. The absence of a physical stalk, a universal feature in virtually all modern vehicles, disrupted ingrained driving habits and led to widespread frustration, with numerous owners publicly expressing their desire for the return of the traditional controls.
In response to this considerable user feedback, Tesla appears to be course-correcting. The availability of a retrofit kit suggests an acknowledgment of driver preference for dedicated, tactile controls over digital alternatives. Yet, this concession comes at a cost to the consumer, who must now purchase an accessory to reinstate a feature that was previously a standard inclusion. The move raises broader questions about Tesla’s design strategy and its balance between pioneering futuristic interfaces and responding to practical user experience demands. It remains uncertain whether this retrofit option will be extended to other major markets, such as the United States, or what pricing structure Tesla might adopt if it does.