11 Facts About Tesla

tesla logo icon (credit: tesla)

Tesla is more than simply an electric vehicle manufacturer; it is an international sensation. There is no doubting that Tesla continues to rewrite the norms of what one would anticipate from the automotive and energy industries, regardless of whether you are a supporter, suspicious, or anywhere in between. But even devoted followers frequently miss the layer of intriguing experiences and unusual patterns that lie beneath the well-known tweets and stunning articles. As an individual who has dedicated lots of time seeking out what drives Tesla, I have been both delighted and even dissatisfied by the cryptic aspects that have often made me wonder. Do not believe that you have encountered it all previously. Several of these details seem like hidden Easter eggs in the very fabric of the business. These 11 facts about Tesla offer insight into the company's inventiveness, culture, and unique business practices that helped it become well-known.

1. Tesla Once Used Nvidia GPUs For Autopilot: Prior to developing its own Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, Tesla's Autopilot system was powered by Nvidia GPUs. At the time, autonomous driving seemed more like a sci-fi dream than a practicality. After some time, Tesla felt it required improved effectiveness and oversight, so it created its own hardware. FSD is now operating on Tesla's own processor, which is regarded as either outstanding or continuously under development, in accordance with who you question.

2. Tesla Recycles 100% of Battery Packs Returned to Them: Although Tesla's battery technology frequently attracts media attention, its recycling approach is deserving greater recognition. Each battery pack that gets sent back to Tesla is recycled at the Nevada Gigafactory. This closed-loop approach is essential to achieving its sustainability goals over time; it is not promotional slang. It is significant, particularly in light of the ongoing discussion regarding uncommon earth minerals and EV garbage.

3. Tesla’s Gigafactory in Berlin Has an Onsite Rave Club: Indeed, it is. They hosted a techno party at the Berlin Gigafactory when it first launched. The facility itself features music-themed artwork and areas that resemble a music festival rather than a car manufacturer, so this was not an isolated strategy. It is strange. It is consistent with the brand. It is really Berlin.

4. The “T” Logo is a Cross-Section of an Electric Motor: The Tesla logo is typically thought of as simply a stylish "T." In reality, however, it is a simplified cross-section of an electric motor that displays a portion of the stator and rotor. If you are an engineering nerd or simply enjoy complex facts, you might find this type of concealed representation particularly meaningful.

5. Tesla's First Car Was Co-Developed With Lotus: The Roadster, Tesla's first mass-produced vehicle, was built on an enhanced Lotus Elise chassis. By replacing the gas engine with their own electric drivetrain, Tesla created a hybrid of Silicon Valley aspirations and British sports car design. Although it was not flawless, it demonstrated that an EV was potentially enjoyable, quick, and acceptable on the road.

6. Tesla Vehicles Are Virtually Impossible to Steal Long-Term: Tesla vehicles are infamously difficult to steal and considerably more difficult to safeguard. The majority of stolen Teslas are found in a matter of days because of GPS tracking, remote immobilization, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates. You would best have a more effective strategy than the typical movie villain if you are considering to steal one.

7. Tesla Offers Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Owners of Tesla Powerwalls are able to sell their extra solar energy back to the grid in states like California and Australia. Throughout disruptions or periods of high demand, this technique, called a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), enables whole neighbourhoods to provide assistance to the grid. It offers a sneak peek of an envisioned energy system that is decentralized and user-powered.

8. Tesla’s HVAC System in The Model Y & S Includes “Bioweapon Defense Mode”: A significant HVAC update is included with the Model Y and Model S: HEPA filters that can remove contaminants, microorganisms, and infections. Although the phrase could appear like science fiction, Elon Musk gave it the name "Bioweapon Defense Mode" because it was motivated by genuine worries regarding pandemics and air pollution.

9. Tesla Model S Has a Hidden Diagnostic Mode: Holding down the Tesla "T" on the display will bring up a hidden diagnostic mode, although this was designed for maintenance workers, not keen motorists. Despite this, tech-savvy individuals and hackers continued to experiment and found tools that track anything from battery cell stability to motor torque.

10. Early Tesla Roadsters Used Repurposed Laptop Battery Cells: 6,831 ordinary 18650 lithium-ion cells, similar to those that power laptops, were utilized in the first Tesla Roadster. Considering nobody had previously connected so many little batteries to power an automobile, this was a daring approach at that point in time. The risk paid off, and Tesla was able to enter the electric automotive sector years ahead of its rivals.

11. Tesla's Fremont Factory Was Once a Failed GM-Toyota Joint Venture: Prior to its 2010 acquisition by Tesla, the Fremont, California facility was known as NUMMI, a partnership between GM and Toyota that ultimately closed. After taking control, Tesla renovated it and began manufacturing the Model S there. The forthcoming generation of American EVs is being constructed within the shell of an unsuccessful partnership, which is an odd turn of events.

Summary: Electrifying Uniquely

There is no doubting Tesla's impact, regardless of whether you view it as a tech disruptor, a daring risk-taker, or a hype monster with a long list of tasks to accomplish. The above 11 facts provide a more thorough understanding of the company's principles, which combines creativity, unconventional choices, and a hint of mayhem. All together, that adds to its attractiveness. Although Tesla is far from flawless, it manages to keep individuals interested, curious, and debating. That in and of itself is noteworthy in a market crowded with cautious businesses.