Tesla has been responsible for many of the automotive industry’s significant changes in recent memory, particularly in stoking interest in electric vehicles. A while back, Tesla was in the news for a new steering wheel that was more of a yoke as you would see in an aircraft rather than a wheel typically seen in a car. Tesla is dead set on completely changing the controls we’re all familiar with in vehicles today.
Details have turned up online, showing an updated interior with no physical shifter that appears to have touchscreen shifter controls. Touchscreen controls are a great way to reduce clutter and put all controls in a single location. However, lots of people dislike touchscreen controls because you’re unable to use them by feel as you can with traditional knobs and switches.
New gear shifting in the s/x refresh pic.twitter.com/0Me0WvSv4Y
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) March 24, 2021
Touchscreen controls require people to take their eyes off the road to activate the controls. In the video, which turned up on Twitter, shifter controls are shown using a small line drawing of the car indicating forward or reverse. Oddly, no park position is shown. There’s always the chance the vehicle automatically puts itself in park when stopped.
The Evolution of Vehicle Controls
The evolution of vehicle controls has been a fascinating journey. Traditional cars have long relied on physical knobs, buttons, and levers to manage various functions. These tactile controls allow drivers to operate them by feel, which can be crucial for maintaining focus on the road. However, as technology has advanced, there has been a significant shift towards integrating more digital interfaces within the vehicle’s cabin.
Tesla, being at the forefront of automotive innovation, has embraced this shift wholeheartedly. The move to touchscreen controls is part of a broader trend towards creating a more streamlined and modern driving experience. By consolidating multiple functions into a single interface, Tesla aims to reduce the clutter of physical controls and provide a cleaner, more futuristic interior design.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Touchscreen Controls
While the idea of touchscreen controls is appealing for its sleek and modern look, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
1. Reduced Clutter: Touchscreen controls can significantly reduce the number of physical buttons and knobs, leading to a cleaner and more organized dashboard.
2. Customization: Digital interfaces can be easily updated and customized through software updates, allowing for new features and improvements without the need for physical changes.
3. Integration: Touchscreens can integrate multiple functions, such as navigation, media, and climate control, into a single interface, making it easier for drivers to access and manage these features.
Disadvantages:
1. Distraction: One of the primary concerns with touchscreen controls is that they require drivers to take their eyes off the road to operate. This can be a significant distraction and potentially dangerous.
2. Lack of Tactile Feedback: Unlike physical buttons and knobs, touchscreens do not provide tactile feedback, making it difficult for drivers to operate them by feel alone.
3. Reliability: Touchscreens can be prone to glitches and malfunctions, which can be frustrating and potentially leave drivers without access to essential controls.
Examples from Other Automakers
Tesla is not the only automaker exploring the use of touchscreen controls. Other manufacturers, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, have also integrated touchscreens into their vehicle interiors. Audi’s MMI touch response system, for example, features two large touchscreens that control various functions, while Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX system combines a touchscreen with voice control for a more intuitive user experience.
The Future of Vehicle Controls
As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovative approaches to vehicle controls. Augmented reality (AR) and voice-activated controls are two areas that hold significant potential for the future. AR could provide drivers with real-time information and navigation overlays directly on the windshield, while voice-activated controls could allow for hands-free operation of various functions.
In conclusion, Tesla’s move towards touchscreen shifter controls is part of a broader trend towards digital interfaces in the automotive industry. While there are clear advantages to this approach, it also comes with its own set of challenges. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how automakers balance the need for modern, streamlined designs with the importance of safety and usability.
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