Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade – Retrofit Some Future Into Your Model 3!

Not unlike BMW, Tesla was always the first to try out different automotive innovations. Heck, you’ve got to give it to them – they’ve basically pioneered practical EVs for the average Joe. Their steering yoke is no exception and in this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade. 

Coming up, you’ll learn:

• How exactly do the OEM yoke and the Tesla Steering Yoke Upgrade work?
  
• What sets this retrofit apart from traditional steering wheels?
  
• How does it compare to similar solutions currently on the market?
  
• Whether it’s worth making the switch from the regular steering wheel to the yoke?

Ready to take your Tesla to the next level? Because with the Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade, you won’t just be driving – you’ll be piloting the future! Joking aside, enjoy the reading.

All You Need to Know About Tesla Yoke Replacement

First introduced in the refreshed 2021 Model S and Model X, it’s a radical departure from the traditional steering wheel, offering a unique blend of futuristic design and technology. But what if you’re driving a Model 3 or Model Y and also want to experience the thrill of a yoke? Enter the Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade, our aftermarket option that will allow you to replace your standard steering wheel with a yoke.

Before we dive deeper into this retrofit, let’s see how it and the OEM solution both work. 

How Does the Tesla Yoke Work?

At its core, the Tesla yoke functions much like a traditional steering wheel. You rotate it left or right to steer the vehicle. However, its unique design—a rectangular, U-shaped control—fundamentally changes how you interact with your car. 

The yoke’s primary benefit is the enhanced visibility it offers, as it doesn’t obstruct your view of the dashboard and the large touchscreen that controls many of Tesla’s features. The yoke’s design encourages drivers to keep their hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, considered the safest and most effective hand placement. 

This might initially feel awkward, mainly during low-speed maneuvers like parking, but it can become second nature with time. Additionally, the absence of a top portion means you must be more deliberate in your movements, as there’s less material to grip during sharp turns.

Which Tesla Models Have the Yoke?

Currently, Tesla offers the yoke as an optional feature in the Model S and Model X. These vehicles represent Tesla’s flagship models, showcasing the latest automotive technology and design. The yoke complements these cars' minimalist, high-tech interiors, reinforcing Tesla’s image as a brand that always looks forward.

Unfortunately, the yoke isn’t available in the more budget-friendly Model 3 and Model Y – at least, not directly from Tesla. However, with our Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade, you can retrofit it into these models, bringing some of that futuristic flair to your own car. This upgrade provides an exciting opportunity for Model 3 and Model Y owners to enhance their vehicles with a feature typically reserved for Tesla’s premium offerings.

Tesla Yoke vs. Steering Wheel – What Sets Them Apart?

If you’re considering replacing your Tesla’s steering wheel with a yoke, it’s essential to understand the critical differences between the two. While they serve the same primary function, the experience they offer is vastly different.

One of the most significant adjustments drivers will experience is the lack of the typical hand-over-hand steering motion. The yoke’s design necessitates a different driving technique, which may take some getting used to. 

On the other hand, many Tesla enthusiasts praise the yoke for its sleek look or the unique, more engaging and enjoyable driving experience it provides. The dashboard's unobstructed view complete with the yoke's futuristic feel are significant selling points for those who want their car to stand out. If you value innovation and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, the yoke could be a worthwhile upgrade.

However, despite offering some benefits, the yoke also has its critics. 

Some drivers find it challenging to use, particularly in situations requiring quick or frequent steering adjustments, such as in tight parking lots or aggressive driving. The lack of a full circular grip can make it harder to perform these maneuvers smoothly, so some Tesla owners have replaced their yoke with a traditional steering wheel.

This means that sticking with the standard wheel might be the better choice if you’re more comfortable with a traditional steering wheel and prioritize practicality over novelty. Conventional steering wheels are what most drivers are used to, and they offer a level of familiarity and ease of use that the yoke simply can’t match. 

Regarding driving dynamics, a traditional wheel is often easier to handle during low-speed maneuvers or when quick steering inputs are required. If you do a lot of city driving or find yourself frequently parking in tight spaces, you might appreciate the control that a round steering wheel provides. 

Moreover, for those who often drive long distances, the comfort and familiarity of a traditional steering wheel might make the journey less tiring. The consistent grip and ease of use can be particularly beneficial during extended trips or complex driving scenarios.

Is Tesla Yoke a Standard Option?

As mentioned earlier, the factory Tesla yoke is available as an option, allowing customers to choose it instead of the traditional steering wheel. This aligns with Tesla’s broader philosophy of challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what’s expected in a vehicle. You could say that the yoke is more than just a steering device; it’s somewhat of a statement piece that reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and design.

Where Do Steering Yokes Come From?

The concept of a steering yoke isn’t entirely new, but its application in consumer vehicles is a relatively recent development. To understand where the Tesla yoke comes from, it’s helpful to look at the history of yoke-style controls in other fields.

Tesla Yoke – Just Like in an Airplane!

The Tesla yoke draws direct inspiration from aviation, where similar controls have been used for decades. In many airplanes, the yoke is the primary control device, allowing pilots to adjust the aircraft’s altitude and rotation. The design is intended to offer precise control with minimal effort, which is critical, especially in passenger planes, where yokes are used instead of joysticks (like in smaller fighter jets).

By bringing the yoke to their vehicles, Tesla aims to give drivers a similar sense of precision and control, as well as an outright cool factor. Because let’s not kid ourselves – pilots are cool, have you seen their aviator sunglasses? 

The yoke’s design also reinforces the idea of Tesla cars as high-tech, almost futuristic machines that are as much about the experience as they are about transportation. As much as we love the sound of internal combustion engines, traveling in a capsule-like environment and hearing only the wind noise is something else.

Steering Yokes in Other Cars

While Tesla is the most well-known brand that introduced a yoke in a consumer vehicle, it’s not the first time such a design has been used in the automotive world. Other car manufacturers have also experimented with designs like that, though none have employed it to the extent of Tesla.

Formula 1 Yoke-Like Steering Wheels

Racing cars, particularly in Formula 1, have used yoke-like steering controls for years. While at their core the F1 steering wheels function basically the same as the regular ones, with columns and steering racks, they have a very direct ratio for turning the wheels. 

This means they do not rotate as much as the steering wheels in road cars and Teslas. In Formula 1, the steering wheel typically rotates within a range of approximately 360–400 degrees, so around one full rotation. It depends on the given race because they can swap the steering racks to better tune the vehicle to specific conditions. 

In “civilian” cars though, the range is usually from 900 to 1080 degrees, meaning approximately three full rotations. These designs are optimized for ease of operation, as opposed to Formula’s precise steering.

Lexus Steer-by-Wire Yoke

While Tesla simply replaced their regular steering wheel with a yoke, Lexus took a different approach. The Japanese are also working on a similar solution, though their technology will function differently. 

Officially, Lexus calls their solution “Steer-by-Wire,” which conveniently explains how the system operates. The term “yoke” is used in this case to describe what’s visible, so the actual controls. In Lexus vehicles, the yoke is not directly connected to the steering mechanism, as is the case with Tesla or traditional cars. 

Instead, the signal is transmitted purely by wire and the steering wheel's rotation is limited to around 200 degrees (which is even more direct than in F1). The steering system is also progressive, meaning that at different speeds, the steering wheel’s rotation needed to change direction is adjusted accordingly.

The yoke’s introduction into mainstream automotive design could signal a shift in how we think about vehicle controls. As more manufacturers explore this option, we may see broader adoption of this or other styles of steering in the coming years, particularly in luxury vehicles. 

Or it might remain a cool cosmetic addition to the interior – it’s too early to say.

Is It Worth Getting a Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade?

Now that we’ve explored the ins and outs of the Tesla yoke, the big question remains: Is it worth replacing your standard steering wheel with a yoke? The answer depends mainly on your personal preferences and how you use your Tesla.

Ultimately, whether or not you should consider getting our Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade depends on your driving preferences and how much you value design innovation. The yoke isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy the idea of driving something that feels futuristic, you’ll be in for a unique and enjoyable driving experience. What are the biggest advantages of this retrofit?

• The yoke enhances visibility due to its smaller size, allowing better access to data presented on Tesla’s screens and an unobstructed road view.
• It’s quite the conversation starter and a statement piece that will make your Tesla stand out from the crowd. 
• It brings a sense of novelty and fun that a traditional steering wheel can’t match, making your driving experience more engaging and immersive. 
• Makes you feel as if you were piloting the car, not driving it ;) 

If you do decide to go for the upgrade, make sure to choose a yoke that’s compatible with your specific Tesla model. Our BT Perfected Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade will be available in various finishes:

• Black Nappa Leather
• White Nappa Leather
• Black Synthetic Suede

The Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade is designed to be a plug-and-play retrofit, meaning it’s relatively easy to install and doesn’t require significant modifications to your vehicle. That being said, it’s essential to follow the instructions carefully. If you’re not confident in your ability to install the yoke yourself, consider having a professional handle the installation to ensure everything is done correctly.

Ultimately, the Tesla Yoke Replacement Upgrade offers a way to personalize your vehicle and make it your own. Whether you’re drawn to the yoke’s innovative design or its unique driving dynamics, it’s an upgrade that’s sure to make your Tesla experience even more exciting.