- Tesla's Chinese website is offering an optional indicator stalk for the Model 3 sedan.
- The 'Highland' Model 3 facelift moved the indicators to buttons on the steering wheel.
- The move comes after criticism by media and customers about the location of the indicator buttons.
It seems Tesla is listening to customer feedback after all and is willing to right its wrongs.
Tesla has quietly updated the Model 3 electric sedan in China with it regaining a physical indicator stalk behind the steering wheel.
When the current ‘Highland’ update for the Model 3 was introduced in 2023, it controversially lost both the gear selector and indicator stalks behind the steering wheel. This followed a move from the flagship Model S and Model X vehicles.
Instead of a regular indicator stalk behind the steering wheel, it was replaced by two buttons on the steering wheel. One for indicating left and another for indicating right.
Having no physical indicators stalks frustrated motoring media and owners alike as the button placement for the indicators moved when you turned the steering wheel.
It appears this physical indicator stalk that’s been added to the Model 3 ‘Highland’ is virtually identical to one the Model Y received with its latest ‘Juniper’ update.
It’s slimmer than the one that was previously fitted to the Model 3 and doesn’t feature a button on the end for a single window wipe and the washer fluid.
According to Tesla’s Chinese website, this physical indicator stalk will also be available as a retrofit for existing Model 3 ‘Highland’ owners in that market from mid-September.
It costs ¥2499 (NZ$598) and it includes the addition of the physical indicator stalk and the removal of the steering wheel-mounted indicator buttons.
At this stage Tesla new Zealand hasn’t confirmed when this updated version of the Model 3 with the physical indicator stalk will be coming, nor if a retrofit will be offered to existing owners.
It’s worth noting all versions of the Tesla Model 3 are currently manufactured in China.
- Jack Quick, production editor.