Tesla Model 3 and Model Y get new dash buttons, courtesy of a clever teen

An 18-year-old Norwegian entrepreneur, Vetle Husby, is developing a third-party accessory for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y electric cars that finally add physical buttons and dials.

Called Ctrl-Bar (control bar), the accessory is a gloss black bar that attaches to the bottom of the 15-inch touchscreen with two knurled knobs to control the climate control temperature, without needing to tap the screen.

Additionally, four circular buttons can be programmed to control a host of vehicle functions, including toggling the seat heaters, defrost, dog mode, keep climate on, open the frunk and more.

It also adds multi-colour ambient lighting to the centre console – which both the popular Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV currently lack.

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Greenmission’s project – which is in its prototype stage and backed by Tesla accessory reseller Abstract Ocean – has passed its crowdfunding campaign goal in less than 48 hours on Indiegogo and will ship globally from June, currently priced at $381.

It’s worth noting, of course, that not all kickstarter projects become a reality.

The startup concedes that the main obstacles include developing the mobile app, establishing a reliable connection, and potential supplier issues and delays leading to higher costs.

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The Ctrl-Bar doesn’t connect directly to the Tesla. It’s powered via plugging into the hidden USB-A port at the rear centre console area and, connects to a smartphone using Bluetooth.

When a dial or button is pressed, the phone will communicate it to the vehicle via the Tesla application programming interface (API) using its own app.

Husby says there’s a slight latency of less than one second, but there’s a screen in the centre of the bar to show your commands in real-time before it’s sent to the car. The app will also “prioritise your privacy, only capturing the data needed to run the services.”

An internet connection is required on the phone, though it doesn’t need Tesla’s Premium Connectivity subscription to function.

The bar itself will also be capable of over-the-air software updates, and the developer plans to implement speed-limit warnings through a paid subscription.

The Ctrl-Bar is another aftermarket solution to address the Model 3 and Model Y’s sparse interior, with many vendors already selling a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, panoramic glass roof sunshade, and more.

Previous reports have mooted an even more simplified Model 3 update is coming this year, even though a Tesla design boss has downplayed the rumour.

Greenmission currently sells a 3D-printed Magsafe compatible wireless phone charging pad solution for older Tesla Model S and Model X EVs.