Tesla Aims for Progressive Steering in its Cars in a Few Years, Says Elon Musk

Photo courtesy of Tesla, Inc.

Progressive steering is an additional, speed-dependent steering aid that can make driving easier. Although Tesla's vehicles already have good handling, the company will strive for progressive steering in its vehicles in a few years, says Elon Musk.

Thanks to progressive steering, car handling is improved at high speeds and the steering effort at low speeds or when parking is significantly reduced. Thus progressive steering ensures better control during sporty driving and additional convenience in everyday use. This would be very helpful for the owners of Model S, Model S Plaid, and Roadster.

Progressive steering significantly reduces the effort required for low-speed maneuvering and parking, which will always be beneficial. On twisty roads and in intersections, drivers will notice a more dynamic response as a result of the more direct steering. It will also significantly reduce the movement of hands on the steering wheel, which is especially important when using the yoke steering wheel, which is equipped with Model S and Model S Plaid.

In technical terms, progressive steering features variable tooth spacing on the rack and pinion and a more powerful electric motor than the standard electromechanical steering. In order to make this possible for Tesla cars, it would require complex gearing or drive-by-wire without a direct mechanical link, explained Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Despite the complexity, the company will aim for this in a few years, he added.

I’ve been driving with the yoke for a while & it’s great imo. Progressive steering would require complex gearing or drive-by-wire without direct mechanical link. Will aim for that in a few years.

— Elon Musk, the 2nd (@elonmusk) June 17, 2021

Adding this aid primarily simplifies the handling of cars in large cities with heavy traffic. It is worth considering that driving Tesla cars is already quite easy. When it comes to the yoke steering wheel, at first glance it may seem that drivers may have difficulties. However, in reality, this is not true. While there will always be those who find such a steering wheel uncomfortable, most drivers will get used to it very quickly. At the moment, the first reviews have already appeared from those who had the opportunity to drive Model S Plaid and most of them are positive.

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