JB Straubel: The Engineering Genius Behind Tesla's Power

JB Straubel is a co-founder and the former Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Tesla. While Elon Musk handled the strategy, Straubel was the architect of the core technology: the batteries, motors, and power electronics. He is currently pioneering battery recycling as the founder of Redwood Materials.

The Battery Whisperer

If Elon Musk is the face of Tesla, JB Straubel was its technical soul. Fascinated by electric vehicles from a young age, Straubel once rebuilt a Porsche 944 into an electric car long before joining Tesla. His deep understanding of energy storage and power electronics made him indispensable to the company's success.

Meeting Musk

Straubel met Elon Musk in 2003 over a lunch that was supposed to be about electric aviation. Instead, Straubel mentioned his interest in lithium-ion batteries for cars. Musk was hooked. Straubel became the fifth employee at Tesla and was officially recognized as a co-founder following the 2009 legal settlement.

Building the Tech Stack

As CTO, Straubel oversaw the technical design of every Tesla vehicle from the Roadster to the Model 3. But his contributions went beyond just the cars. He was the driving force behind the Supercharger network, realizing early on that fast charging was essential for EV adoption. He also played a critical role in the concept and design of the Gigafactory, aiming to reduce battery costs through massive scale.

Life After Tesla: Redwood Materials

In 2019, Straubel left his executive role at Tesla to focus on a new problem: the supply chain. He founded Redwood Materials, a company dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries and creating a circular supply chain for electric vehicles. His goal is to make battery materials sustainable and affordable, continuing his mission to decarbonize the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is JB Straubel and what is his legacy at Tesla?

<p><strong>Jeffrey Brian (JB) Straubel</strong> is a co-founder of <strong>Tesla, Inc.</strong> and served as its Chief Technology Officer (<abbr title="Chief Technology Officer">CTO</abbr>) for 15 years. Often described as the "technical architect" of the electric vehicle revolution, Straubel led the development of Tesla’s core battery technology, motor design, and the visionary <strong>Gigafactory</strong> concept. In 2026, his legacy continues as a member of Tesla’s <strong>Board of Directors</strong>, ensuring his deep technical expertise remains a guiding force for the company's future AI and energy projects.</p>

What is JB Straubel doing in 2026 with Redwood Materials?

<p>In 2026, JB Straubel serves as the CEO of <strong>Redwood Materials</strong>, a company he founded to create a circular supply chain for batteries. Redwood has become a critical domestic source for <strong>lithium, nickel, and cobalt</strong> in the USA, recently activating a $3.5 billion factory in <strong>South Carolina</strong>. By recycling end-of-life EV batteries, Straubel is helping reduce American reliance on foreign critical minerals while providing recycled materials to major partners like Tesla, Ford, and Toyota.</p>

How did JB Straubel influence the Tesla Roadster’s battery design?

<p>JB Straubel was the primary proponent of using <strong>commodity lithium-ion cells</strong> (the 18650 format) to power a car. In 2003, before joining Tesla, he had already built a record-breaking electric <strong>Porsche 944</strong> using this technology. His ability to prove that thousands of small cells could be safely managed to provide long-range performance was the technical breakthrough that convinced <strong>Elon Musk</strong> to invest in Tesla and paved the way for the original Roadster.</p>

Why did JB Straubel leave his role as Tesla CTO in 2019?

<p>Straubel moved to a Senior Advisor role in July 2019 to focus on <strong>Redwood Materials</strong> and the broader challenge of battery sustainability. He realized that as the EV market scaled toward millions of vehicles, the world would face a massive shortage of raw materials. His departure was a strategic pivot to solve the "end-of-life" problem for batteries, a mission he viewed as essential to completing the transition to sustainable energy.</p>

What is the connection between JB Straubel and the Tesla Gigafactory?

<p>JB Straubel is widely credited as the mastermind behind the <strong>Gigafactory</strong>. He recognized early on that battery production capacity was the ultimate bottleneck for EV mass adoption. He led the concept, site selection, and engineering for <strong>Gigafactory Nevada</strong>, fundamentally changing the industry by integrating cell production and pack assembly under one roof to achieve the economies of scale necessary for the <strong>Model 3</strong>.</p>

Does JB Straubel believe EV batteries can last 15 years?

<p>Yes, Straubel has frequently stated that modern EV battery packs are engineered to last the life of the vehicle, typically <strong>15 years or 150,000 miles</strong>. In 2026, this is becoming a standard expectation for US consumers. Straubel’s research shows that while batteries do degrade, they often outlast the car's mechanical components, at which point they are still 99% recyclable through processes used at <strong>Redwood Materials</strong>.</p>

How does Straubel’s work impact US national security in 2026?

<p>Through Redwood Materials, Straubel is a key figure in <strong>onshoring the battery supply chain</strong>. In 2026, Redwood is one of the only major domestic producers of high-quality cathode and anode materials. This reduces the US automotive industry's dependence on overseas mining and refining, particularly from China, which is a major priority for the <strong>U.S. Department of Energy</strong> and national defense initiatives.</p>

Is JB Straubel involved with QuantumScape?

<p>Yes, JB Straubel has served on the <strong>Board of Directors of QuantumScape</strong> since 2020. QuantumScape is a leader in developing <strong>solid-state lithium-metal batteries</strong>, which promise faster charging and higher energy density. Straubel’s involvement highlights his commitment to next-generation chemistry that could eventually replace traditional liquid-electrolyte batteries in high-performance EVs.</p>

What are JB Straubel’s academic and engineering credentials?

<p>Straubel holds a <strong>B.S. in Energy Systems Engineering</strong> and an <strong>M.S. in Engineering</strong> (focused on energy conversion) from <strong>Stanford University</strong>. His academic background in thermodynamics and power electronics was crucial in the early days of Tesla, where he personally oversaw the design of the drivetrain, power electronics, and firmware that defined the "Tesla driving experience."</p>

How is JB Straubel using recycled batteries for AI data centers in 2026?

<p>In 2026, Straubel has expanded Redwood Materials into the <strong>energy storage sector</strong>. The company is repurposing "second-life" EV batteries to create <strong>Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)</strong> for AI data centers. These systems provide high-density backup power for the massive energy demands of 2026 AI infrastructure, proving that battery recycling is not just about cars, but about the entire digital economy.</p>