These Facts About Elon Musk And Tesla Will Electrify Your Day
Tesla Motors was founded by Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard in 2003 in San Carlos, California. In 2008, the Roadster was launched to critical praise, "it is not just a car, but one of the strongest automotive statements on the road." When the Model S was released five years later, it outsold all of its luxury competition and was named the Motor Trend Car of the Year. All of this begs the question; in a world where electric cars were never supposed to be taken seriously, how did Elon Musk and Tesla revolutionize the industry? The true story of Tesla will electrify your day. You won't believe why it's illegal to drive the Model X over the Brooklyn Bridge!
Elon Musk Didn't Create The Company
Although Elon Musk is credited as one of the founders of Tesla, the truth isn't so simple. The company was initially created by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. When GM recalled and destroyed its electric car stock in 2003, they saw an opening to jump into the industry.
Musk entered the world of Tesla in 2004, investing in the company and joining its board of directors. Musk quickly became the charismatic face of the company. He was named CEO in 2008, and still holds the position in 2018.
Tesla's Vehicle Names Spell Out A Special Word
To date, there are four vehicle models of Tesla; the "S," "3," "X," and "Y." It should be pretty clear what word the company is spelling. Elon Musk has confirmed this was no mistake, "Model 3 was going to be called Model E, for obvious dumb humor reasons, but Ford sued to block it, so now it is S3X."
Ford said in 2010 that they signed a contract with Tesla so they could not register a model E vehicle. When Tesla tried anyway, Ford pushed back, believing Model E sounds too much like Model T. We can't make this stuff up.
Musk Only Makes Money If Tesla Does
Elon Musk has a unique contract with Tesla. He doesn't earn a salary with the company and is only compensated for his work when Tesla makes money. Essentially, Tesla sets goals for what it needs to make in funding and sales. If it doesn't hit those targets, Musk gets zeros in his bank account.
Even with this unique payment model holding back Musk's earning potential, he's still worth a reported a $20 billion. Of course, Tesla isn't his only source of income, he also runs the Boring Company, Thud, Space X, and helped create SolarCity.
Mario Kart Is a Tesla Display Option
Elon Musk is a huge fan of the Nintendo racing game Mario Kart. He's such a big fan that if you own a Tesla, you can change the display to show the road you're on as Rainbow Road. The track is one of the franchise's most iconic and colorful.
Mario Kart references aren't the only easter eggs Musk has integrated with Tesla. If you own any model in the United States, you have access to any Monty Python skit. All you have to do is ask your car to play it.
It's Illegal To Drive The Model X Over The Brooklyn Bridge
The chances of you getting pulled over driving a Model X over the Brooklyn Bridge are slim, just know it's technically illegal. The SUV weighs around 6,000 pounds, making it too heavy for the three-ton vehicle limit. The reason for the limit is the age of the bridge.
Built over 130 years ago, the Brooklyn Bridge isn't as sturdy as it used to be. According to a 2011 study, the bridge was deemed "structurally deficient." That doesn't mean it's not safe to drive across the bridge, it just has to be inspected regularly.
Tesla Cars Remember Where You Drive and Automatically Adjust Their Suspension
If the idea of artificial intelligence taking over the world scares you, then skip straight to the next slide. Tesla vehicles are so smart they remember where you've driven. This memory feature allows the car to automatically adjust to poor terrain and maximize performance.
It also means these cars will know all the shortcuts and backroads you take, so when they take over the world there will literally be no safe place to hide! Don't worry though, by that time Elon Musk will have figured out how to relocate us all to Mars.
Tesla Holds Zero Patents For Its Technology
Until 2014, Tesla held patents on all of its technology. They released the patents after deciding it would be best for the industry and the world to make it all "open source." In an open letter to the world by Tesla, the company explains their ultimate goal is to create sustainable transport.
The company believes by hiding their technology from the world, they would be doing more harm than good. Elon Musk writes, "If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal."
Elon Musk Attended Standford For Two Days Before Dropping Out
Elon Musk was 17 years old when he was accepted to Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. After two years he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania where he obtained bachelor degrees in physics and science. Looking to continue his studies, he applied to and was accepted into Stanford's applied physics program.
Two days after enrolling in Stanford, Musk dropped out. His decision was based on his growing interest in the internet, outer space, and renewable energy. You can say what you want, but you definitely can't say he made the wrong decision.
Musk Married And Divorced Talulah Riley Twice
Elon Musk has been married and divorced three times. Oddly enough, two of those times was to actress Talulah Riley. After Musk's first marriage to Justine Wilson ended in 2008, he met Riley. In 2010, the happy couple got married. In 2012, they filed for divorce.
After the divorce, Musk tweeted, "It was an amazing four years. I will love you forever. You will make someone very happy one day." One year later he was that person, and the couple remarried. Three years later they divorced again. Only time will tell if Musk thinks the third times the charm.
Musk Dated Actress Amber Heard and Had a Tough Time Getting Over Their Split
Elon Musk and Amber Heard started dating shortly after she filed for divorce from Johnny Depp in 2016. Things seemed to be going well, with Musk accompanying the Justice League star to award shows. Heard was even photographed on vacation with him and his kids. Unfortunately, the timing was all wrong and the couple announced their split in late 2017. While the two ended on good terms, Musk opened up about how hard the split was on him.
“It took every ounce of will to be able to do the Model 3 event and not look like the most depressed guy around,” he told Rolling Stone. “For most of that day, I was morbid. And then I had to psych myself up: drink a couple of Red Bulls, hang out with positive people and then, like, tell myself: ‘I have all these people depending on me. All right, do it!’”
The Hyperloop Is Musk's Most Ambitious Project Yet
As Elon Musk continues to advance technology to turn the world of Star Trek into reality, he is also working on another ambitious project called the Hyperloop. The proposed pressurized transportation tubes would change global travel. The first one is going to connect Los Angeles to San Francisco. The estimated travel time will be 30 minutes.
If the Hyperloop sounds familiar, that's probably because you've watched Futurama once or twice. In the show, characters in the year 3000 commute to work via pressurized tubes that suck them in on one end and spit them out at the other.
Musk's Parents Ended His First Business Venture
At just 15 years old, Elon Musk tried to open his first business. The plan was to open an arcade with his brother and cousin. Surprisingly, the trio was able to get their idea all the way to city zoning phase before Musk's parents found out what he was up to.
Musk's parents put an end to the venture, forcing the boys to give up on their teenage dream. It might sound mean, but at this point, we know that Elon Musk was destined for much greater things. Although if you were to ask him, he would tell you he doesn't believe in destiny.
Tesla's Sales Model Is Illegal In Six States
Tesla has a simple sales model. It sells to consumers directly instead of through dealerships. That means when you go to a Tesla showroom and dealership, it is owned and operated by Tesla and not franchised out. According to laws in several states, the sales model is illegal for automobiles.
The reason states have banned the model is so franchised dealers don't have to worry about direct competition from the automaker. Whether the law makes sense to you or not, it has hurt Teslas ability to reach its full potential market as the company refuses to franchise.
Martin Eberhard Came Up With The Name Tesla On a Date At Disneyland
Before launching Tesla, co-founder Martin Eberhard needed to come up with a name for the company. The name ended up coming to him at Disneyland with his then-girlfriend Carolyn (now his wife). Having a romantic dinner at the Blue Bayou (located near the Pirates of the Caribbean ride), Eberhard made his final pitch.
Eberhard pondered if the company should be named after Nikola Tesla, the great inventor who pioneered alternating current. As soon as he said the words, Carolyn said, "Perfect! Now get to work making your car."
Tesla Is Designing a Semi-Truck With Auto Pilot
One of the biggest polluters on the road is semi-trucks. Tesla knows this and has a plan. At a proposed base price of $180,000, companies will soon be able to purchase a Tesla semi-truck with built-in autopilot for the driver. The proposed front cabin looks more like an airplane cockpit than a typical car.
Tesla warns that while the autopilot is on, the driver must still remain attentive. Just because you're not driving the vehicle doesn't mean it's nap time! The top-of-the-line big rig is set to launch in the next few years, and we can't wait to start seeing them on the road!
Tesla Motors Has Higher Market Value Than Ford
Despite a small sample size, Tesla Motors is considered incredibly valuable. In 2016, the company passed Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, and General Motors in market value. The same year, the company only delivered 76,230 vehicles. In comparison, Ford sold 2.6 million vehicles the same year.
We imagine the inflated market value being placed on Tesla has everything to do with the growth potential. Ford has been around for over 100 years. Tesla isn't 20 years old yet but feels like it will lead the next 100 years of the industry.
Tesla Is More Than Just A Car Company
Tesla is best known for their electric vehicles, but the company also provides affordable solar energy with a product called a "powerwall." The unit can act as a secondary power source during blackouts and can store enough potential energy to run for seven days.
If you want to get off the grid entirely, the unit can also be used as your main battery source. According to Tesla's website, it will store solar energy during the day, so your home can function after the sun goes down.
Tesla's Insane Mode Isn't Just A Rumor
At this point, it should be clear Elon Musk enjoys playing with convention. Not only can you drive Rainbow Road in your Tesla, but you can also push the car into "insane" mode. The powerful mode will send your Model S from zero to sixty in three seconds.
In 2015, Tesla introduced "ludicrous" mode, which pushes the time to just over two seconds! In its regular boring mode, the car is capable of accelerating from zero to sixty miles an hour in six seconds. Let's be honest though, why accept six seconds when you do it in under three!
Tesla Is Listed As The Second Oldest Publicly Listed American Automaker
Here's a fact to make your head spin. Tesla might seem like a new company but is actually listed as the second oldest public American automaker. The oldest is Ford at over 100 years. But what about General Motors?
General Motors is still around but went bankrupt in 2009. As for Chrysler; they're a privately owned company and don't count. Any other automakers you think are older? They might be, but not as far as being publicly traded goes.
Cost Of Maintenance Is Purposely Kept At A Minimum
An initial investment in a Tesla vehicle might seem expensive, but it will save you money in the long run. Tesla cars are designed so the only parts that need to be regularly replaced are the tires and windshields. Everything else about them is built to last.
That means you might be dropping $35,000 on the car up front, but you're spending very little to keep it running years down the road. They will also replace your battery for under $60 if it ever starts to slow down.
Teslas Update Themselves Like Smartphones
One of the most frustrating things about modern technology is how quickly it goes obsolete. If you buy a Tesla you won't have to worry about that. The automaker uses smart technology so the car will update itself as the world around you changes.
The most recent update was 8.1. It brought Teslas with Advanced Autopilot new features including autosteering (up to 90 miles per hour), lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and auto lane change. We can't take it anymore; we're getting a Tesla tomorrow!
