is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State.
For a company that likes to fire a bunch of people, only to later regret the decision and try to hire those same people back, this latest news shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: Tesla is selling a retrofit turn signal stalk to replace the one it removed from the refreshed Model 3.
As per Electrek, the turn signal stalk is only available in China for ¥2,499, or about $348. “Modify your Model 3 by replacing the turn signal buttons on your steering wheel with turn signal stalks,” the listing on Tesla’s online shop reads. You truly cannot make this stuff up.
In case you don’t remember, Tesla released the refreshed the”Highland” Model 3, first in China in 2023, and the rest of the world in 2024. In addition to some design tweaks and an additional touchscreen for rear passengers, the updated electric sedan was notable for what it lacked. Tesla had deleted the turn signal and drive stalks, moving the controls to steering wheel buttons and the center touchscreen and relying on automation.
The decision seemed inspired by Tesla’s desire for maximal minimalism, removing controls it assumed would eventually become obsolete in an era of autonomous vehicles. But it turns out (pun intended) the turn signal stalk is just one of those controls that most people would prefer to keep. Many Tesla owners confessed to hating their stalk-less cockpits and openly wishing that Tesla would bring them back.
It would appear that Tesla has heard their pleas, though its unlikely that owners will appreciate having to pay for the privilege of adding back a turn signal stalk. We’ll see if Tesla eventually brings the retrofit stalk to the US, and at what price.
