Turning Back Time: The Return of the Stalks
Oh, the irony! Tesla, the innovative titan of the automotive world, has found itself in a rather amusing pickle after removing the beloved turn signal stalk from Model 3 vehicles. Initially appealing in the Highland refresh of 2023, this cost-cutting measure left many drivers yearning for the nostalgia of a good ol’ stalk. But worry not, dear Tesla enthusiasts! After plenty of grumbling and some ahem… “feedback,” Tesla is now rolling out retrofit turn signal stalks in the US for a cool $595.
From China with Love
It all began in China, where some lucky folks could snag their retrofits for about $350. There was much speculation about when the U.S. would catch up, and it turns out, the stalks were so well received that they finally made their transpacific debut—now at a slightly heftier price. But hey, who can put a price on the joy of signaling your lane changes?
Why Did We Ever Let Them Go?
So why did Tesla think this was a good idea in the first place? In a fit of heroic minimalism, they removed the stalks in favor of buttons and touchscreen controls. But let’s be honest, keeping our fingers crossed about buttons when changing lanes feels a tad risky! Thankfully, after several car developers experienced the “What were we thinking?” moment, we can now retroactively add stalks to Model 3s. You can qualify for this comfortable retro for any 2024 or 2025 vehicle, making it more widespread than its Chinese counterpart!
In conclusion, if you’re a Model 3 driver feeling a bit lost without your trusty stalk, it’s time to visit the Tesla website or app to schedule your ultimate retrofitting experience. With this upgrade, you won’t just look cooler—your signaling will be as smooth as it should have been all along!
