When Tesla unveiled the updated Model S and Model X, Elon Musk revealed the new EVs would eliminate conventional changes in favor of an automatic system that you can replace on the touchscreen. But how would that work? You may have just found out. According Autoblog, Tesla Silicon Valley Owners shared a brief clip of what appears to be the touch screen shifter for the 2021 Models S and X.
The interface allows you to pull the car icon forward or backward, depending on the direction you want to move. It is not clear how you would enter neutral or parked, although these can still be automatic or activated with another command. It seems quite intuitive, although it is certainly a change from shaking a stalk.
And in case you’re wondering: this is legal, at least in the United States. Federal rules do not require physical controls and only stipulate that the transmission choice must be clearly visible whenever the engine is able to move the vehicle. It is unclear to what extent this approach will work in other countries.
It is easy to see why Tesla would choose to change the touch screen. It fuels Tesla’s tech-savvy image and helps prepare for a future where the car drives alone (and therefore does not need a stem). The move also helps Tesla’s bottom line – no stalk means fewer parts, easier repairs and faster production.
However, not everyone can be enthusiastic. If the touchscreen system fails, you will have no choice but to trust that the car will move in the right way. And while the controls are simple, they are unlikely to be instinctive for many drivers. It is a bet that you are willing to shake in the name of simplicity. Not necessarily a huge bet, but it is worth noting before spending a fortune on a luxury EV.