Tesla Model three News Roundup: Keycard For Entry, Design Studio Screenshots, & Steering Wheel Controls
Now that the very first Model 3s are out in the wild and it has officially been collective with the world media, the floodgates of joy details have opened up.
Keycard, Not Key Fob
Rumors were running rampant that the Model three would use a keycard for entry instead of its iconic mini-Tesla key fob. That news has been confirmed, as longtime Tesla evangelist Bonnie Norman has confirmed via Twitter that Model three will indeed utilize a keycard.
If you haven’t seen it, no more digging around for keys – keep #Tesla Model three card in wallet. pic.twitter.com/Fr63UdQZMn
The stir is controversial, as many claim to choose the key fob to a keycard, but the benefits are also rather incredible. Keeping the card in one’s wallet permits for the keychain to be slimmed down. Even Tesla’s key fobs are bulky and clutter up pockets, requiring yet one more thing to be carried around.
On the other arm, the fob brought extra functionality with it, like locking/unlocking the vehicle, opening/closing the trunk, and popping the frunk. Tesla has built this very same functionality and more into the Tesla app, so owners retain all of that functionality in some way. However, it does feel a bit strange to many fresh owners to pull out a smartphone to manage their cars.
Model three Steering Wheel Controls
One early curiosity with Model three was related to the fresh steering wheel controls. The design shifts away from single-purpose buttons to fresh multi-directional scroll knobs that were a bit of a mystery when very first spotted. A movie posted by “The Tesla Display” from the Model three test drive exposes what they do and how they work, and I have to say, I’m amazed.
Not tying these buttons to a single purpose permits Tesla to utilize them much like the scroll wheels in the Model S, which could be used to fine-tune the position of the sunroof, adjust the temperature, etc. The wheels in Model three will be similarly supple but also tie into other functions, like precisely positioning the mirrors and adjusting the steering wheel position. Take a look at the movie for a quick view of what the future holds for the in-vehicle user practice.
The fresh UI and UX Tesla is bringing to Model three are incredible, see them in this movie we took on our test rail. https://t.co/IMqQeGYpyB
Model three Design Studio
Tesla busted open the list of options for Model three on Friday when it transferred over keys to the very first thirty Model 3s that it sent out into the wild. Now it shows up that Tesla has officially opened up the online design studio to the next wave of customers. The studio itself doesn’t give us any fresh information, but it presents the very first look at what will keep reservation holders greedy and chomping at the bit for their chance to configure, order, and receive their very own Model Trio.
The screenshots come as Tesla has updated the Model three Delivery Estimator in My Tesla to reflect the prioritization of features at launch. It shows up that the very first production run will not be simply the base model, but rather, the Long Range Model three with a few options. Buyers looking to get into a Model three as early as possible will have to part with at least $49,000 or wait a few months for a base model.