Tesla is now providing an option for owners of the updated Model 3 to swap out the turn signal controls. This change comes after the company removed the traditional physical controls found in nearly all modern vehicles, opting instead for controls on the steering wheel and touchscreen. Currently, this retrofit turn signal stock is available in China for approximately $348, though it’s unclear if it will be made available in the U.S.
In a surprising move, linked to its minimalist design approach and focus on autonomous driving, Tesla has decided to introduce a retrofit turn signal stalk for the refreshed Model 3 electric sedan. Many Tesla owners weren’t thrilled about the removal of physical stems, finding the new button layout less intuitive and more cumbersome.
At the moment, the retrofit turn signal stalk can only be purchased in China for about $348. Tesla’s online store mentions, “Please upgrade the Model 3 by replacing the turn signal button on the steering wheel with a turn signal stalk.” This development is particularly interesting, given Tesla’s trend of simplifying controls and leaning heavily on automation.
When Tesla first launched its facelifted Highland Model 3 in China in 2023, later expanding it globally in 2024, the electric sedan included some design updates and an extra touchscreen for rear passengers. However, the most debated change involved the elimination of the turn signal and driving stems, transferring those functions to buttons on the steering wheel and the central touchscreen instead.
Many owners voiced their frustrations regarding the button-only control system, which they found less user-friendly compared to conventional physical controls. The absence of a dedicated turn signal stalk—a longstanding feature in most cars—became a contentious issue for some drivers who felt Tesla was making design choices at the expense of practicality.
It looks like Tesla has heard this feedback, evidenced by its introduction of the retrofit option. However, the choice to offer the stalk as a paid accessory rather than as a standard or complimentary feature might not be well-received by everyone. Some may argue that Tesla should include the stalk in the refreshed Model 3 or at least provide it as a no-cost option for those who prefer it.
Control upgrades typically regarded as standard in other vehicles evoke a comparison to a subscription model offered by Volkswagen to unlock engine performance. According to recent reports:
German car manufacturer Volkswagen has rolled out a subscription service in the UK for its new ID.3 electric vehicles. Models like the ID.3 Pro and Pro S are advertised to generate 201 horsepower, but to access the full 228 horsepower, buyers must pay a monthly fee of £16.50 ($22.29). This subscription follows a complimentary one-month trial and costs nearly three times more than a standard Netflix subscription. Alternatively, owners can choose a lifetime subscription at a price of £649 ($877).
It remains to be seen whether Tesla will broaden the availability of the retrofit turn signal stalk outside of China, and if so, what prices they might set. The firm’s decision to reintroduce this control may indicate an acknowledgment that, for all its aspirations toward autonomous driving, many customers still value traditional physical controls.
