Tesla has made a significant move by reintroducing the turn signal stalk as a standard feature on the Model 3 sedan in China. This decision comes after the controversial removal of the turn signal stalk from the Model 3 two years ago, where it was replaced with buttons on the steering wheel.
The company is not only offering the turn signal stalk as a standard feature on all variants of the Model 3 in China, including rear-wheel drive, long-range rear-wheel drive, long-range all-wheel drive, and high-performance all-wheel drive models, but it is also providing current owners with the option to purchase the feature for a fee.
According to information on Tesla China’s website, the optional upgrade for the turn signal stalk can be purchased through the mobile app for RMB 2,499 ($350) and will be available in mid-September. This service is applicable to Model 3 vehicles produced after February 7, 2025, without turn signal stalks, with plans to make it available for vehicles produced before that date at a later time.
The removal of the turn signal stalk in the Model 3 redesign in September 2023 stirred controversy among drivers who found the new button-based system on the steering wheel difficult to adapt to and contrary to traditional driving habits. Along with the turn signal stalk, the windshield wiper control and gear shift stalk were also removed and replaced with controls on the central touchscreen.
In contrast, Tesla retained the turn signal stalk in the updated version of the Model Y SUV launched in China earlier this year, maintaining the touchscreen-based gear shifting system. Tesla’s factory in Shanghai produces both the Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, serving local customers and acting as an export hub for these vehicles.
Despite the controversy surrounding the design changes in the Model 3, Tesla’s sales in China remain strong. In July, the Model 3 saw retail sales of 9,851 units, marking a slight decrease year-on-year but maintaining overall positive growth in the first seven months of the year. The Model Y, on the other hand, experienced a decline in sales in July but continues to be a popular choice among Chinese consumers.
Overall, Tesla’s decision to reintroduce the turn signal stalk in the Model 3 demonstrates the company’s responsiveness to customer feedback and commitment to improving the driving experience for its users.
