The horn returns to tradition, and Tesla unveils a new Yoke steering wheel
The yoke steering wheel has only half the steering wheel, and Tesla officially calls it Yoke. Now, Yoke is new again!
Recently, Tesla released the new Yoke steering wheel, returning to tradition, and the horn button in the right control area on the old steering wheel has been replaced with the traditional central position. From the front speaker button, the camera button has been added.
In addition, the new steering wheel is upholstered in leather with added stitching to enhance the overall feel. From 1 to 9, the functions are right turn signal, high beam headlight, left turn signal, left scroll button, horn, solid sign, wiper, right wheel button, voice command.
Currently, Tesla's Yoke steering wheel is mainly supplied to the Model S and Model X. Compared to a traditional steering wheel, a half-spoke steering wheel is not easy to obscure the view. Of course, if consumers are really not used to it, they can also choose a standard steering wheel.
Following Tesla, the domestic Zhiji LS7 quickly borrowed and implemented mass production, and then the Lexus RZ also quickly followed up, forming a new trend in the design circle.
In the midst of opposition, the new generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class also followed suit and announced that it would use the Yoke steering wheel.
It is reported that the Mercedes S-Class and EQS will soon launch Yoke yoke steering wheels, and their launch date is set for 2025. To make this design a reality, Mercedes-Benz plans to remove the mechanical steering column and replace it with a full steer-by-wire system, which uses sensors to send steering input to the wheels as an electronic signal.
Half-width steering wheels are widely used, and Toyota is also one of the followers.
Toyota has used a half-spoke steering wheel on the bZ4X, and it has also been used in some race cars. The bZ4X's OMG (One Motion Grip) driving control package is a combination of a racer's steering wheel and steer-by-wire system, which allows you to complete steering operations without changing hands.
Toyota has equipped its 2024 Prado with this new half-spoke steering wheel, which looks more like a traditional steering wheel cut in half, with a very individual shape and a design element that incorporates motorcycle handlebars, which looks very aggressive. Moreover, on the right side of the steering wheel, acceleration and brake levers are integrated, which also heralds the elimination of the traditional accelerator and brake pedals. This pedal-less design is likely to be an important consideration for Toyota's welfare models, which can provide driving possibilities for people with lower limb disabilities.
Unlike Tesla, the Lexus version of the Yoke also has Steer-by-wire on the back of the steering wheel.
Tram Circle Observations:
Motorsport-derived half-spoke steering wheels are not suitable for alternating steering with both hands, which requires a large proportion of variable steering ratios to support this design. After the implementation of higher-level autonomous driving, it will provide more favorable conditions for the promotion of Yoke yoke steering wheels. For safety reasons, there is news that the declaration of Yoke steering wheels may not be allowed in China, do you expect this regulation to be gradually liberalized as technology advances?