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Tesla offers a $350 retrofit turn signal stalk after removing it from the Model 3
Tesla Offers Pricey Turn Signal Upgrade for Model 3
Imagine buying a new car only to find out the turn signals are controlled by buttons instead of a traditional stalk. Then, imagine being charged to fix what shouldn’t need fixing. This is the reality for some Tesla Model 3 owners who now have the option to add a $350 turn signal stalk—after Tesla initially removed it.
What’s Happening?
Tesla is offering a $350 retrofit turn signal stalk for its Model 3 vehicles. This comes after the company originally equipped the Model 3 with button-controlled turn signals instead of a traditional stalk.
Where Is It Happening?
This upgrade is currently available only in China.
When Did It Take Place?
The retrofit option was recently announced, but the exact timeline for wider availability is unclear.
How Is It Unfolding?
- Tesla is selling a retrofit turn signal stalk for the Model 3, priced at around $350.
- Originally, the Model 3 used button controls for turn signals instead of a traditional stalk.
- This upgrade is currently limited to the Chinese market.
- Owners now have the option to add the stalk, but at a premium price.
- The move has sparked discussions about vehicle design choices and customer convenience.
Quick Breakdown
- Price: ~$350 for the retrofit turn signal stalk.
- Availability: Currently only in China.
- Original Design: Model 3 initially used buttons for turn signals.
- Reaction: Mixed feelings among owners and enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
Tesla’s decision to charge for a feature it initially omitted raises questions about design philosophy and customer satisfaction. The retrofittable turn signal stalk, priced at $350, is a luxury few may opt for, highlighting the trade-offs between innovation and tradition. While Tesla continues to push boundaries in vehicle design, this move underscores the tension between cutting-edge features and practical driver needs. It’s a stark reminder that even leading-edge technology can sometimes leave customers wanting more—or paying more.
It’s like being asked to pay extra for the handle on a door you thought was automatic.
The retrofittable turn signal stalk is a band-aid solution for a design oversight that shouldn’t have existed in the first place.
– Auto Design Analyst, Industry Expert
Final Thought
Tesla’s $350 retrofit turn signal stalk for the Model 3 in China highlights a delicate balance between innovation and customer convenience. While the company aims to redefine automotive design, this move underscores the importance of intuitive controls for every driver. Choosing to charge for a now-standard feature not only frustrates owners but also sparks debates about design priorities. Streamlining technology is commendable, but at what cost? A well-designed vehicle should prioritize ease of use above all else.
Source & Credit: https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/tesla-offers-a-350-retrofit-turn-signal-stalk-after-removing-it-from-the-model-3-123034169.html
