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Tesla rolls out new steering yoke with physical center horn, better build quality

Credit: @dkrasniy/X

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It appears that Tesla has started rolling out an improved version of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV’s controversial steering yoke. The new steering yoke is fitted with a center horn, more stitching, and an improvement in overall build quality. 

An image of the updated steering yoke for the Model S and Model X was shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. As can be seen in the image, the new yoke has a redesigned center area with a horn symbol below the “TESLA” badge. The stitches in the new yoke also seem quite thick and durable. 

Electric vehicle enthusiasts responded positively to the updated Model S and Model X yoke. Part of this is because the first version of the controversial steering system had a lot of areas for improvement. Among these was the horn, which was a small capacitive button at the top right side of the yoke that was quite prone to accidental presses. 

Elon Musk acknowledged the issue way back in March 2022, when he noted that Tesla would roll out a software update for the Model S and Model X that would allow drivers to engage the horn by mashing the right side of the yoke. Even such a solution, however, was fairly pale in comparison to the simplicity of a physical horn in the center. It is then quite unsurprising that EV advocates responded positively to the addition of a physical center horn in the updated steering yoke.

Apart from issues with the yoke’s horn button, Tesla Model S and Model X owners have also observed that the material in the original yoke tended to peel over time. And while a number of Tesla owners noted in the r/TeslaLounge subreddit that they have had their yokes replaced under warranty, the peeling issue in the Model S and Model X’s steering yoke was undoubtedly very annoying considering the flagship vehicles’ prices. These issues would hopefully be addressed fully with the updated yoke. 

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Based on videos that have been shared by Tesla customers, it appears that the physical center horn has also been rolled out to the Model S and Model X’s standard round steering wheel. A video that was shared on YouTube, for one, showed a round steering wheel from a 2024 Tesla Model S with a physical center horn.

Watch a video of Tesla’s updated round steering wheel below.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with news tips. Just send a message to simon@teslarati.com to give us a heads up.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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Elon Musk to file lawsuit against former US Rep Jamaal Bowman: “I’ve had enough”

Bowman called the Tesla CEO a “Nazi” and a “thief” during a segment on CNN.

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MINISTÉRIO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk has announced that he is filing a lawsuit against former United States Representative Jamaal Bowman over his recent comments in a CNN segment.

Musk shared his legal intentions in a post on social media platform X.

Bowman’s Comments

During an appearance on CNN, Bowman, who made news in 2023 by triggering a fire alarm while Congress was in session, strongly criticized Elon Musk. Unlike other Musk critics, Bowman went straight for the jugular, calling the CEO a “Nazi” and a “thief.” Bowman’s comments received polarizing reactions in social media, with some users stating that such words could be used to sue for defamation.

“The American people do not trust Elon Musk. And Elon Musk is incompetent in his position. And how do we know? Because they fired tens of thousands of people, it was challenged in court, the court said people have to go back, and now the people are coming back. He’s incompetent, he’s a thief, he’s a Nazi, and people don’t trust him,” Bowman said.

“I’ve Had Enough”

In a comment to a video of Bowman’s CNN segment that was shared on X, Musk stated that the former Democratic Congressman’s words have crossed a line. “I’ve had enough. Lawsuit inbound,” Musk wrote in a post on X. Musk’s post received some support from X users, several of whom noted that it’s high time the CEO fought back against the vitriol that is consistently thrown his way.

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Musk has been on the receiving end of protests from critics who oppose his work with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Opposition against Musk has spilled over to Tesla, resulting in stores being shot, firebombed by Molotov cocktails, vandalized, and vehicles and Superchargers being subjected to arson. Even regular Tesla owners have reported a growing wave of vandalism incidents.

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Tesla aiming to produce first “legion” of Optimus robots this 2025

Tesla is aiming to start the production of Optimus this year, and its first run will be no joke.

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Credit: Tesla

Tesla’s Q1 2025 All-Hands meeting saw CEO Elon Musk share a key update about the company’s most ambitious product yet — Optimus. As per Musk, Tesla is aiming to start the production of Optimus this year, and its first run will be no joke. 

Tesla Optimus’ Quick Evolution

Tesla initially announced Optimus during its AI Day event in 2021. At the time, Tesla only had a mockup of the robot and a literal person in a suit to demonstrate what Optimus could look like. By 2022, Tesla had a working prototype of the robot. Optimus’ progress has been rapid since then, with several dozens of the humanoid robots interacting with attendees at the Cybercab’s unveiling last October.

Optimus’ Potential

During the recent All-Hands meeting, Elon Musk reiterated the idea that Optimus could very well be the biggest product of all time, likely being ten times larger than the next-biggest product. Musk also shared an update about Optimus’ production, stating that the first humanoid robot has been manufactured at the Fremont Factory.

A Legion for 2025

When discussing Optimus’ ramp, Musk clarified that Tesla is internally aiming for enough parts to produce 10,000 to 12,000 Optimus robots this year. However, since Optimus is a completely different product, even half of 10,000 units would be a huge victory for Tesla. Tesla also plans to ramp Optimus to a notable degree in 2026, with the company aiming for 50,000 units, or 10 “legions” of humanoid robots, next year.

“So this year, we hopefully will be able to make about 5,000 Optimus robots.  We’re technically aiming for enough parts to make 10,000, maybe 12,000, but since it’s a totally new product with a totally new, like everything is totally new, I’ll say we’re succeeding if we get to half go the 10,000.

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“But even 5,000 robots, that’s the size of a Roman legion, FYI, which is like a little scary thought. Like a whole legion of robots, I’ll be like ‘whoa.’ But I think we will literally build a legion, at least one legion of robots this year, and then probably 10 legions next year. I think it’s kind of a cool unit, you know? Units of legion. So probably 50,000-ish next year,” Musk said.

Tesla’s Q1 2025 All-Hands Meeting can be viewed below.

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Tesla Shanghai Megafactory starts exporting Megapacks, first to Australia

Tesla Asia celebrated the Shanghai Megafactory’s first Megapack exports on X.

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Credit: Tesla Asia/X

Tesla has begun exporting Megapack battery systems from its Shanghai Megafactory, with the first shipment departing for Australia on Friday. This marks a key step in Tesla Energy’s expansion into the global energy storage industry, utilizing its new China-based Megafactory to supply several new markets.

Tesla Asia celebrated the Shanghai Megafactory’s first Megapack exports through its official social media account on X.

Tesla Megapacks in Focus

The Tesla Megapack is capable of storing 3.9 MWh of energy, and they are designed for grid use. As per Tesla in its official website, each Megapack battery has enough energy to power an average of 3,600 homes for one hour. The Megapack is designed to be infinitely scalable as well, making it a good fit for large-scale sustainable energy projects.

The Shanghai Megafactory

The Shanghai Megafactory began production in early 2025, a record eight months after its May 2024 groundbreaking. With an initial output of 10,000 units annually, equal to about 40 GWh, the Shanghai Megafactory has the potential to significantly boost Tesla’s battery storage deployments.

As per a report from Xinhua News Agency, Tesla is expecting its energy deployments to rise 50% year-over-year this 2025.

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Tesla Leaders on the Shanghai Megafactory

Mike Snyder, vice president of energy and charging at Tesla, previously outlined the potential of the Shanghai Megafactory. “Megafactory gives us the ability to scale production and efficiency. We can lower logistics costs as well as product costs, and grow the business to new markets,” he stated. 

The Shanghai Megafactory also seems to be part of Tesla’s efforts to grow its presence in China, which was highlighted by CEO Elon Musk during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During their meeting, Musk reportedly stated that “Tesla is willing to deepen cooperation with China and achieve more win-win results.”

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