It looks like the anticipation is finally over as Tesla has begun delivering Model Y’s with the heated steering wheel activated.
Rumours had been swirling for months that both the Model 3 and the Model Y would be getting the highly anticipated feature. Earlier this month Tesla in China confirmed the heated steering wheel on both vehicles.
Now the feature has made its way to North America as a new owner from Utah reported the feature is active in his electric SUV.
The owner placed an order for a Long Range (LR) Model Y on January 4, 2021. He tells Drive Tesla he picked it up 9 days later on January 13 at the Salt Lake City showroom. It came with software version 2020.39.110 installed, a unique numbering system used for cars straight from the factory.
Using a FLIR infrared camera, he was able to measure just how quickly the steering wheel warms up, and how hot it can get.
He reports that it takes just 2 minutes for the wheel to warm up to its maximum temperature of 98.8°F (37.1°C).
You can also see from the image the entire steering wheel is heated, unlike some manufacturers that only heat the sides and upper part of the wheel.
According to the owner his Model Y has a VIN beginning with 105,XXX, and the sticker on the vehicle says it was manufactured this month, 01/21.
He tells us the heated steering was active at delivery, and he can use voice commands to turn the heated wheel on and off. He also tells us his car features the new laminated (double pane) windows, but does not have the new center console or headlights.
Last week we learned even the new base Standard Range Model Y will also be coming with the heated steering wheel.
Have you also taken delivery recently? Do you also have the heated steering wheel? Let us know in the comments below.
