Top ten things you didn’t know about Tesla (and Elon Musk)
Whatever your opinion on Tesla’s Elon Musk, there’s no denying that the car company itself has been one of the biggest disruptors in the automotive sector for decades.
Model 3s and Model Ys are now a common sight on street corners around the world. So, we know it’s a success story, but what about its history? For such a young company (in car terms at least) it’s certainly an interesting story.
Here’s 10 facts you probably don’t know about Tesla.
1. The name (and company) wasn’t Musk’s idea
Love him or loathe him, Elon Musk’s influence now extends right the way to the White House. Tesla is just one of several companies in the billionaire’s portfolio, but he wasn’t the original face behind Tesla.
Tesla was named after inventor Nikola Tesla by its original founders – Martin Eberhanrd and Marc Tarpenning. Elon wasn’t part of the company during its inception, joining during its initial rounds of funding in 2004.
He only become CEO in 2008, and from this point on led the company’s product design, engineering and global manufacturing plans.
2. The Tesla Roadster used laptop batteries
Remember the Tesla Roadster? It’s now considered a modern classic by many, and was closely based on a Lotus Elise. Debuting in 2008, the first models used 18,650 lithium-ion battery cells that were originally destined for use in laptop computers.
More decent EV batteries use different chemistries and design to help them last longer, but back in the noughties this was seriously high-tech stuff. With a 0-62mph time of under four seconds and a range of more than 200 miles, the first generation Tesla Roadster is well on its way to becoming a modern classic.
3. Musk wrote a ‘Secret Master Plan’ before he was even CEO
As early as 2006 (before he was even CEO) Musk had high hopes for Tesla. He wrote a blog post on the company’s website entitled ‘Secret Master Plan’ – you can still read it here, but the basic premise is as follows:
“So, in short, the master plan is:
- Build sports car
- Use that money to build an affordable car
- Use that money to build an even more affordable car
- While doing above, also provide zero emission electric power generation options
Don't tell anyone.”
4. The company nearly went bankrupt (twice!)
In 2024, Tesla is safely the world’s most valuable car company, with a market value of roughly $70 billion. That wasn’t always the case though. It’s been close to failing multiple times, with the worst hit coming in 2013.
Musk has reported the company only had a few weeks of cash left and was so close to bankruptcy he almost sold it to Google. Musk said that the hardest part for any car company is ensuring revenue is above costs, and it took more than a decade to achieve that.
5. The Model X’s Falcon wing doors were a nightmare to engineer
The iconic doors on the Model X caused significant delays to the vast array of complex hinges, sensors and engineering requirements needed to ensure they didn’t hit ceilings or nearby objects.
6. Elon Musk inspired Iron Man’s Tony Stark
Musk’s real-life persona influenced Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man films. In fact, Musk even had a cameo in Iron Man 2 and hosted the cast at Tesla’s factory during production.
7. Musk had to pay $11 million to acquire Tesla.com
You might not give it a second thought today, but years after becoming heavily involved in Tesla, Musk had to shell out to purchase Tesla’s current domain. He in fact paid a whopping $11 million to acquire Tesla.com.
Tesla may now be one of the world’s most valuable brands, but right up until 2016, it made do with TeslaMotors.com. At the time of writing, the purchase makes it the 8th most expensive domain name ever.
8. Tesla’s factory used to build Toyotas
Today, Tesla has a vast number of production facilities with its gigafactories spanning the globe, but its first factory – opening in 2010 – actually used to assemble vehicles for Toyota.
Since acquiring the site to the NUMMI plant in Freemont California, it’s been the main production line for the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. It currently employs over 20,000 people.
9. Hidden easter eggs abound
Tesla vehicles have hidden "Easter egg" features, such as "Emissions Testing Mode", which plays fart noises from different seats. Another – arguably more useful feature – is "Dog Mode".
This keeps the cabin climate comfortable for pets and displays a message on the screen reassuring passers-by that the pet is safe.
10. Tesla leads the way for charging standards
Tesla developed its own proprietary charging standard, the Tesla Connector, which combines AC and DC charging in a single port. Recently, it was renamed the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and has been adopted by other automakers like Ford and GM in the U.S.
