For many readers, the Tesla story is the Elon Musk story. It’s not really the way it went. Via Business Insider’s very informative and largely exclusive story, “The Making Of Tesla: Invention, Betrayal, And The Birth Of The Roadster” where it’s claimed “Tesla Motors probably shouldn’t exist.”, we get an interesting look at the early 1990s days of the seeds of Tesla.
From the development of the first car, the tzero, built by AC Propulsion, (“Try and touch the dashboard,” he told Smith. As Smith reached out, Eberhard hit the accelerator. Smith’s hand never made it to the dash. The tzero, an all-electric two-seater built by AC Propulsion, could leap from zero to 60 in under 4 seconds. G-forces threw Smith deep into his seat.), the birth of the Roadster by way of the Lotus Elise, and then, not until 2004, the simple email response from Elon Musk: “Sure,” he said. “Friday this week or Friday next week would work.“…
“Eberhard realized that Musk was the first guy he had met who shared his vision for electric cars: Make a vastly superior car, not just a car that sucks less.
A car like that would redefine what an electric car could be. And given the relatively small size of the sports-car market, a new automaker could have an effect on its first at bat, rather than trying to force its way into the crowded economy market.
Then, once the Roadster had destroyed the myth that electric cars had to apologize for being cars, Tesla could move into more accessible price points.”
…it becomes clear the founding vision of the Tesla did not originate in the Mind of Musk. It was, however, made possible by his investment and the decision on that Spring day in 2004 to name him Chairman of the Board.
It wasn’t all roses, though, which of course is what makes it a good story. Even early on, after the launch of the Roadster, we read this email from Musk:
“The way that my role as been portrayed to date, where I am referred to merely as ‘an early investor’ is outrageous. That would be like Martin [Eberhard] being called an ‘early employee.’
Apart from me leading the Series A & B and co-leading the Series C, my influence on the car itself runs from the headlights to the styling to the door sill to the trunk, and my strong interest in electric transport predates Tesla by a decade. Martin should certainly be the front and center guy, but the portrayal of my role to date has been incredibly insulting.
I’m not blaming you or others at Tesla — the media is difficult to control. However, we need to make a serious effort to correct this perception.”
By all means, set aside some time and read the whole story, here. It’s the stuff of legend.
Get Social: