Tesla popularized minimalist EV interiors with large touchscreens, but this design choice sacrifices usability and safety. Early EVs like Tesla used touchscreens to appear futuristic, yet they’re error-prone and force drivers to divert attention from the road. Physical controls—like physical buttons on steering wheels or physical door handles—remain superior for critical functions. Modern cars, especially EVs, often prioritize sleek digital interfaces over reliability, leading to frustrating user experiences.

The shift to electronic systems stems from cost-saving myths. While touchscreens reduce manufacturing costs compared to physical switches, EVs’ battery expenses dominate overall budgets, making marginal savings irrelevant. Carmakers like Polestar 4 exemplify this trend by replacing rear windows with mirror screens, which degrade driver focus and safety. Physical components—such as charge-port doors or temperature controls—are disappearing, replaced by unreliable electronics. This isn’t progress; it’s a regression in ergonomic design.

A solution exists: follow a strict checklist. Prioritize physical controls for essential tasks like turning signals or air flow. Physical glove box releases and rearview mirrors aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for safety and efficiency. Until screen technology matches the simplicity of physical mechanisms, cars will remain plagued by avoidable flaws. The industry must abandon vanity-driven choices and embrace proven solutions that drivers actually trust.