Tesla’s high crash security architect, who helped the automaker obtain high security scores for its complete automobile line-up, introduced that he’s leaving the automaker after 14 years.
We’re speaking about Petter Winberg, Tesla’s Principal Engineer for CAE crashing security for the final decade.
After an in depth profession at Volvo and SAAB, each automobile manufacturers praised for his or her dedication to security, Winberg joined Tesla in 2011 to work on the “crash security improvement of Mannequin S construction and aspect occupant restraints.”
On the time, Tesla was nonetheless engaged on the Mannequin S, its first automobile constructed completely from the bottom up, contemplating the unique Roadster was primarily based on the Lotus Elise.
CEO Elon Musk aimed for “Tesla autos to be the most secure on the planet,” and Winberg took the problem severely.
He led the event of the automobile physique and chassis construction for Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y, in addition to the crash construction for Mannequin S and Mannequin X.
All of those autos have acquired high security crash scores from unbiased testers worldwide – shortly elevating Tesla’s model into a pacesetter in passive security.
Winberg and his crew deserve lots of the credit score for this.
The engineer additionally led the design of crash readiness and the energy-absorbing capability of Tesla’s newest “gigacasting” and structural battery pack designs, for which he obtained patents. Different automakers have since adopted related designs.
For these much less technical who need to perceive how good and revered Winberg is at Tesla, he has been working for Tesla remotely in Sweden for the final 5 years. That’s spectacular in itself, contemplating how a lot Musk hates distant work. He beforehand emailed Tesla administration to inform them that solely distinctive workers could be eligible for an exemption to work remotely, which he would approve himself.
After 14 years at Tesla, Winberg introduced final week that he’s leaving (by way of LinkedIn):
Having developed Mannequin S, S-DM, X, 3, Y, Y-SP in addition to future crash architectures, I’ve determined now could be the time to maneuver on. Thanks Tesla, hold crushing it! What an unimaginable crew, I’ll miss you all.
He didn’t elaborate on his causes for leaving the automaker or announce one other enterprise.
Electrek’s Take
Whereas Tesla has acquired a lot criticism for the risks of its Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving” methods, I don’t assume anybody can query that Tesla autos carry out extraordinarily properly by way of passive security.
Unbiased testing has confirmed it time and time once more.
Tesla has led the best way in benefiting from designing electrical autos from the bottom up. Its skateboard-like powertrain design and lack of engine within the entrance enable for a large crumple zone to soak up the vitality in case of a crash.
A giant thanks to Petter Winberg for his designs and management in enhancing Tesla’s passive security. He has undoubtedly made the automotive trade safer and saved lives. Congratulations.
As for his departure, it’s actually a blow for Tesla. As we beforehand reported, the corporate has suffered a major exodus of expertise over the past 12 months, with a giant a part of its management leaving throughout and after a wave of layoffs final 12 months.
Many predict that Tesla might once more provoke one other wave of layoffs within the coming months as its gross sales are crumbling worldwide.
