1. Relevance Beyond Cars
Tesla may be widely recognized for its electric vehicles (EVs), but its operations transcend the automotive industry. Besides producing cars, Tesla also manufactures energy storage products and solar energy products under its Tesla Energy division. Their Powerwalls, Powerpacks, and Megapacks play an integral role in pushing the boundaries of renewable energy sourcing and storage.
2. Namesake’s Connection
Tesla is named after the ingenious inventor, Nikola Tesla, whose work forms the basis for much of modern alternating current (AC) electric power systems. This homage mirrors Tesla Inc.'s desire to revolutionize the energy industry.
3. The Lotus Connection
Tesla’s first car, the Roadster, was built on a Lotus Elise chassis. This 2008 model effectively managed to dispel the myth that electric cars could not match up to the speed and performance of gas-powered vehicles.
4. Transmission of the Original Tesla Roadster
The first Roadster had two forward gears, but the second gear was eliminated after the company found that the massive torque of their electric powertrain was chewing through transmissions.
5. Elon Musk’s Role at Inception
Contrary to popular belief, Elon Musk did not found Tesla. The company was actually started by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. Musk joined the board of directors as chairman later that year, after contributing significant funding. He didn't assume his position as CEO until 2008.
6. Not Just Luxury Vehicles
Tesla’s initial vehicles were marketed as luxury cars, but its long-term plan always included more affordable electric vehicles for the general population. This vision came to fruition with the production of the Model 3, a more budget-friendly car compared to their earlier models.
7. Struggles During the Financial Crisis
During the financial crisis in 2008, Tesla was on the brink of bankruptcy. Musk invested his personal funds into the company to keep it afloat, displaying exceptional conviction in Tesla’s potential.
8. Elon Musk’s Salary
As of 2021, Musk draws a nominal salary of just $1 from Tesla each year. His main compensation comes in the form of stocks and options, tied directly to the company's performance and milestones.
9. Model Name Fun Fact
Elon Musk initially intended the Model names to spell “SEX”, but was thwarted when Ford claimed the rights to the term “Model E”. Tesla had to be content with the Model S, Model 3 (E being the third letter of the alphabet), Model X, and Model Y.
10. A Gigafactory’s Size
Tesla’s Gigafactories are unbelievably vast. The one in Nevada is considered one of the biggest buildings in the world, spanning across 5.5 million square feet.
11. Self-Driving Capabilities
While all Tesla cars are not yet fully autonomous, they have the capability to be updated to possess self-driving features. Tesla aims to have full self-driving vehicles before the end of the decade.
12. World Record
In 2020, a Tesla Model S became the first production electric vehicle to cover over 400 miles on a single charge, setting a new world record and emphasizing the efficiency of Tesla's batteries.
13. The Gateway Drug
Elon Musk once referred to the initial Tesla Roadster as a “gateway drug” - a vehicle designed to convince the world that electric cars could be exciting, powerful, and fun.
14. High Safety Standards
Tesla's Model S and Model X have both received the highest safety ratings in their categories. Tesla focuses heavily on safety in their vehicle designs.
15. Ludicrous Speed
The Tesla Model S’s Ludicrous Mode enables it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.
16. Over the Air Updates
Tesla vehicles receive over-the-air updates, similar to how smartphones function. This approach allows Tesla to send software fixes and new features directly to the vehicles, improving performance, range, and features continually.
17. Supercharging Network
Tesla has a wide Supercharger network that allows Tesla vehicles to travel long distances. These charging points can provide up to 180 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes.
18. Reusable Parts
Tesla is emphasizing sustainability not just by creating electric vehicles, but also by developing a vehicular network with reusable parts to minimize environmental impact throughout a vehicle's life span.
19. Longest Living EV Battery
Tesla’s batteries are designed to last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, which is 5 to 10 times longer than the average gasoline car's engine lifespan.
20. Virtual Power Plant
Tesla aims to create a "Virtual Power Plant" by connecting thousands of solar-powered homes. This project could potentially reduce dependence on traditional power grids and promote localised renewable energy generation.
These facts accentuate Tesla's ongoing commitment towards their mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy and making their mark as one of the top millennium brands.