A Norwegian startup, Greenmission, has introduced the Ctrl-Bar 2, a customizable button and knob accessory for Tesla Model 3 and Y vehicles. The device aims to address complaints about Tesla's touchscreen-only interface by adding physical controls. It is being funded through a Kickstarter campaign that has reached halfway to its $29,000 goal.
Tesla vehicles, particularly the Model 3 and Y, rely almost entirely on a central touchscreen for controls, leaving few physical buttons. This approach appeals to some drivers but frustrates others who prefer tactile inputs for tasks like climate adjustment or door unlocking. Greenmission, a Norwegian startup, seeks to remedy this with its Ctrl-Platform system, headlined by the Ctrl-Bar 2.
The Ctrl-Bar 2 attaches under the center screen and features two aluminum knobs for adjusting driver and passenger vent temperatures, along with a series of programmable buttons. These buttons can handle functions such as opening the frunk or trunk, unlocking doors, folding mirrors, or activating wiper controls. All buttons are configurable via a companion app, where users select functions and corresponding icons update on the device's color display. The bar connects directly to the vehicle through Bluetooth Low Energy for basic operations, with an optional Ctrl-Bridge add-on that plugs into the OBD diagnostic port to enable advanced features like reading CAN data or controlling regenerative braking.
Additional accessories include the Ctrl-Stripe, a light bar that installs behind the steering wheel to provide visible turn signal indicators and animations for other functions, or ambient RGB lighting. The system is powered by USB, with a cable routing to the glovebox USB-A port on newer models. Setup involves linking the Tesla through the app.
Greenmission previously released an earlier Ctrl-Bar version funded via Indiegogo, which interfaced through a smartphone app. The new iteration improves on this by direct Bluetooth connectivity. The company is crowdfunding the Ctrl-Bar 2 on Kickstarter, with the campaign ending December 18 and already over halfway to its $29,000 target. Pricing starts at $207 for the Ctrl-Bar 2 alone, rising to $252 with the Ctrl-Stripe or $287 for the full set including the Ctrl-Bridge. Delivery is estimated for March, though it works with all Model 3 and Y variants, with the latest models requiring an extra month of development.