Tesla is also set to sell a retrofit indicator stalk option to existing Model 3 owners for around RM 1,500.
While it arguably should never have been removed in the first place, Tesla has now seen sense and is bringing back the turn signal stalk to the Model 3.
According to Tesla China’s official website, all Model 3 variants will once again be delivered with turn signal stalks as standard equipment. At the same time, the EV maker will also offer a retrofit option for existing owners, available to purchase directly through the Tesla mobile app.
The retrofit package is priced at 2,499 rmb (around RM 1,500) and will begin rolling out in mid-September 2025. Initially, it will only apply to Model 3 units produced after February 7, 2025, with availability for earlier builds expected to follow at a later date.
To provide some historical context here, Tesla first removed the indicator stalk with the launch of its facelifted Model 3. That update shifted the turn signals to touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, while also eliminating the gear selector and windshield wiper stalk, with those functions moved to the centre screen.
The removal of the indicator stalk was widely criticised. In Norway, for instance, driving schools went as far as banning the Model 3 from being used as instructor vehicles, as students struggled to operate the steering wheel-mounted turn signals, particularly when navigating roundabouts.
Now, Tesla’s justification for the controversial change was that traditional controls would soon be obsolete in the age of self-driving cars. However, many observers noted that the move conveniently aligned with Tesla’s push for extreme minimalism, where every physical part removed also means lower production costs.
Interestingly too, when Tesla launched the refreshed Model Y in China earlier this year, the SUV retained the traditional turn signal stalk. The gear selector, however, was still relegated to the touchscreen, showing that Tesla was not fully committed to removing all stalks across its line-up.
