Tesla Achieves 100% Leather-Free Interior in Model 3
Tesla fulfills its promise to remove all leather from the Model 3 interior, including the previously problematic steering wheel. The shift comes after years of gradual changes driven by activist pressure.
Tesla announces that its Model 3 interior is now completely free of leather, fulfilling a promise made by CEO Elon Musk at the annual shareholder meeting. The final hurdle for this transition is the steering wheel, which previously relied on animal-derived materials due to challenges with heating synthetic alternatives and ensuring long-term durability.
This milestone is the result of a multi-year effort that gained momentum after activist shareholders pushed for a ban on animal-derived leather in 2015. Although that initial proposal fails to pass, Tesla gradually introduces vegan components, starting with optional synthetic seats before making them standard across the Model 3, Model X, and Model S lineups.
Musk states that both the Model 3 and the upcoming Model Y feature these fully vegan interiors by 2020. However, he expresses uncertainty about applying this same 100% leather-free standard to the higher-end Model S and Model X vehicles at this time.