Here’s What Yoke Steering in Tesla Looks Like in Actual Use

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Are you undecided about whether Tesla’s yoke steering is right for you? Here’s a link to a video of yoke steering in action that illustrates at least one bothersome aspect of driving with this type of non-wheel, steering wheel.

A recent twitter post points to at least one reason why not everyone is happy (or impressed) with the non-wheel, steering wheel referred to as a “Yoke” used in the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid. The post presents a link of a video view from behind one Tesla driver that demonstrates some rather awkward crossed arm positioning in order to navigate turns.

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hK6JNrk/0/640/i-hK6JNrk-640.mp4

Since its introduction, the yoke has led to some “”Yike” and “Joke” ribbing that while entertaining in the usual banter between staunch Tesla fans and not-so-staunch fans, one point made by Twitter account holder Quinn Nelson does make a valid point---from a safety standpoint, is this something the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) should allow?!

A Virtual Yoke Experience

For those of us who have never driven with a yoke-style steering wheel, here is a link showing what you may experience behind the yoke.

While yoke steering is a pretty slick looking style of non-wheel, steering wheel I have to admit it looks tiresome when navigating through multiple turns. I can only imagine how quick the novelty might end when taking a Tesla up or down Pikes Peak or Missouri foothill roads.

For more depth on the arguments against the yoke, check out this recent article by the Jalopnik website.

Your Thoughts on the Yoke

We would like to hear your opinion about how you feel about the yoke steering wheel in Tesla cars---particularly if you’ve actually driven a Tesla with one and can describe how it felt to you.

Also, do you feel that this is an issue for the NHTSA to weigh in on?

Coming Up Next: Guess what foreign EV is going to be made in America?

Timothy Boyer is Torque News Tesla and EV reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily Tesla and electric vehicle news.