Tesla yoke steering wheel is no joke

The decision by Tesla to offer a yoke-style steering wheel with no top section appears to be official, with the US electric car-maker’s configurator website showing the new design as the only available option.

When news came to light that Tesla would scrap a traditional steering wheel design for a U-shaped yoke set-up, it polarised opinion.

There was even talk that the new steering wheel could contravene vehicle design rules and be illegal.

The idea behind the yoke is to simplify the driving experience, with conventional stalks deleted. Controls such as indicators, headlights, horn and windscreen wipers are located on the face of the yoke.

But as deliveries of the new Tesla Model S – including the supercar-slaying Plaid version – roll out to customers in the US, some are saying the new steering set-up is challenging.

Based on comments from owners, anecdotal evidence suggests the yoke takes some getting used to and can be problematic at slow speeds and in urban scenarios.

Tesla Model S reviews have also pointed out issues with the set-up.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk replied to a question on Twitter that asked about the new yoke steering system and ways to improve its useability.

“Is there any chance of a progressive steering ratio with the yoke? I’m seeing lots of early drives showing it to be pretty awkward around town or pulling into a parking spot,” asked EverydayAstronaut.

“Having a really tight ratio below 5mph and progressively loosening at high speeds would be great.”

Musk responded that he thought the yoke was “great” but that progressive steering is being considered.

“Progressive steering would require complex gearing or drive-by-wire without direct mechanical link. Will aim for that in a few years,” tweeted Musk.

On its website Tesla describes the unorthodox steering yoke as “the ultimate focus on driving: no stalks, no shifting”.

“With a stalkless steering yoke, you can enjoy both the best car to drive, and the best car to be driven in,” the company said.

Some of the concerns raised with the new steering wheel include an inability to pass or slide the yoke through one’s hands during slow-speed manoeuvres, drive one-handed or rest your hand on the top of the yoke.

Given the forthcoming Tesla Cybertruck appears to adopt the yoke in pre-production models, Tesla may look to deploy its new steering system on more models in future including on its best-selling Model 3 and Model Y, not to mention the upcoming new Roadster.

General Motors once toyed with using joysticks instead of a steering wheel on prototype vehicles, but shelved that idea.

The steering wheel is, however, evolving, as demonstrated by BMW which has filed patents for a tiller that changes shape when the vehicle is driving autonomously.