At the beginning of this year, news spread across the Internet that the new Tesla Model S in the Plaid configuration would receive a new steering wheel. The first photos leaked online showed what looked more like a spaceship’s steering wheel than a “rudder” in the traditional sense of the word.
In June of this year, Elon Musk introduced the Model C to the public, which actually has a steering wheel in place of the steering wheel. The public reacted ambiguously: some thought that such a unit would be inconvenient to intercept and would complicate movement around the city. And NHTSA, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, even began to find out whether it is dangerous to drive with such a steering wheel (which is no longer a wheel) on public roads.
One way or another, Elon Musk once again managed to get onto the front pages of automotive news sites. But other questions remained unanswered: how to drive a Tesla with a new steering wheel? And where did the gear shift levers go?
First test drives of Tesla Model S Plaid
The updated electric car has already been tested by several bloggers and shared their thoughts on their Youtube channels. Thanks to them, we learned what features the Plaid steering wheel has. Here they are:
- The turn signals are activated by buttons on the steering wheel. Pressing the turn signal is accompanied by vibration of the steering wheel;
- Gear shifting is done via the touch screen. There’s also a backup option on the center console;
- The method for activating the autopilot can be configured via the on-board computer. The maximum speed of the autopilot can be set using a wheel on the same steering wheel.
The controls have been moved further towards the touchscreen area. In addition to the turn signals and turning on the autopilot, the helm was left to control:
- volume of speakers, there are 22 of them with a total power of 920 W;
- wipers;
- cruise control;
- voice control;
- signal;
- headlights.
Some drivers of this Plaid claim that the steering wheel practically does not cover the display, as was the case with the previous modification of the “steering wheel”. And it’s very convenient.
You can charge the battery to full using the Supercharger in 1 hour 25 minutes. In Ukrainian realities, it will take longer to charge, since Supercharger stations are still “in our plans.” So the first happy owners of these electric vehicles will replenish their battery reserves using regular Type 2s or from the home power supply.
The new generation Model S has three driving modes: Chill, Sport and Plaid. The difference between them is felt when you press the pedal to the floor – in the last two modes the car simply bursts into space. On “Chill” the acceleration is more gentle.
It is worth noting that NHTSA did not see any violations of any standards in the updated steering wheel. And the first copies of the Tesla Model S Plaid are already driving along public roads in the state of California. We are waiting for them to appear on domestic highways