Tesla continues to redefine the traditional driving experience, eliminating more physical controls from its vehicles. First, it removed speedometers, handbrakes, and mirror adjusters, and now, in the latest Model 3 and left-hand-drive Model S, the company has done away with steering column stalks altogether.
Replacing the Indicator Stalk
Traditionally, a stalk positioned to the left of the steering wheel controlled the turn signals. In Tesla’s new system, this function has been transferred to two touch-sensitive buttons located under the driver’s left thumb—one for indicating left, the other for right. While this can be awkward if the turn signal is activated mid-maneuver, drivers tend to adjust over time.
Touchscreen Gear Selection
A more significant change is the removal of the gear selector stalk. Previously, drivers could easily shift between Drive, Reverse, Neutral, and Park without looking. Now, Tesla has integrated this function into the touchscreen. After pressing the brake pedal, a slider appears on the right edge of the screen:
- P (Park) at the top
- Swipe up for Drive
- Swipe down for Reverse
Notably, there is no distinct Neutral option.
During testing, the system operated as designed, without any freezing or glitches. However, unlike a physical gear selector that can be used without diverting attention from the road, the touchscreen requires drivers to look down to confirm the selection. This adds an unnecessary distraction and makes quick maneuvers, such as three-point turns, slower and less intuitive.
Emergency Backup Controls
Recognizing potential risks, Tesla has included a fallback solution. In the event of a touchscreen malfunction, manual buttons for Park, Neutral, Drive, and Reverse are positioned on the vehicle’s ceiling, near the hazard light switch. However, using these buttons as a primary control method would be even slower than the touchscreen.
Auto Shift Out of Park: A Glimpse Into the Future?
Tesla has introduced an optional Beta feature called Auto Shift Out of Park, which enables the vehicle to predict and select the appropriate gear without driver input. Using sensor data and past driving behavior, the system determines whether the car should move forward or reverse. For instance, if a wall is detected behind the vehicle, the system assumes the driver wants to move forward. If the prediction is correct, the driver simply presses the accelerator to proceed. If incorrect, tapping the brake allows for manual override.
Final Verdict: Progress or a Safety Concern?
While Tesla’s stalk-free controls successfully replace traditional mechanisms, the transition to touchscreen-based gear selection may pose safety concerns by increasing driver distraction. Although the Auto Shift feature hints at a more seamless driving experience in the future, it remains in its early stages. For now, the removal of physical controls could be seen as a step backward in terms of intuitive and safe vehicle operation.
