In what areas does Tesla innovate?

[Rothgarr]

Just curious, how much does Tesla do R&D for batteries, solar, energy storage, etc.?

For example, as I understand it, Panasonic manufactures the batteries for Tesla vehicles -- does Panasonic do all the R&D for those batteries? Or does Tesla do it and just has Panasonic manufacture to Tesla's specs?

Same question about solar. Did Tesla simply inherit Solar City technology? Or did Tesla invent and develop the solar tiles? (Not sure about who designed/did research for their traditional solar panels).

How about Powerwall and their industrial energy storage solutions?

 

[voyager]

In nomenclature? Model S, E (3 spelled backward), X and Y - together you get SEXY.

 

[Tam]

...Panasonic manufactures the batteries for Tesla vehicles -- does Panasonic do all the R&D for those batteries? Or does Tesla do it and just has Panasonic manufacture to Tesla's specs?...

I think in the beginning, Tesla would just take whatever Panasonic built for them but then Tesla innovated and made its own formula and how has other manufacturers including Panasonic to manufacture cells according to Tesla's standard.

...did Tesla invent and develop the solar tiles? (Not sure about who designed/did research for their traditional solar panels)...

Just like lithium cells, EV..., Tesla didn't invent solar tiles. Quite a few companies had sold solar tiles/roof/shingles before but failed commercially.

...How about Powerwall and their industrial energy storage solutions?

There have been Battery Storage before but Tesla just made it more visible.

It's just like Tesla didn't invent EV, but it still has to spend a lot on R&D to make an EV possible.

Just like anything, even the airplane, Boeing didn't invent airplane but the trick is how to build one that does not do self-suicidal 737 Max MCAS. And that takes a lot of R&D too!

 

[BluestarE3]

Innovation takes on many forms and isn't limited to just inventing new technology (although Tesla is no slouch in that area either). Innovation can encompass how technology is employed, how the product is packaged and marketed, and putting the infrastructure in place to sell and support the product. Things that come to mind include:

• Employing standard size cylindrical cells (instead of prismatic or pouch cells) to flexibly build modules for their EV battery packs.
• Using a skateboard design for the battery pack that not only simplifies car assembly, but also gives the car a lower center of gravity and structural strength.
• Debuting the brand with a high-price, limited edition, high performance, long-range, and attractive vehicle to plant the seed that EVs don't have to be wimpy or ugly, rather than starting with glorified golf carts or weirdmobiles that turn many people off to the idea of EVs.
• Making cars that appeal to consumers on multiple fronts: environmental, geopolitical, performance, safety, aesthetic, technological, etc. You don't have to be a "tree hugger" to like Teslas.
• Building a refueling infrastructure to enable long-distance driving and help alleviate range anxiety even though it's not a car maker's "job" to provide such.
• Selling directly to consumers to bypass dealerships that may not always understand or promote the benefits of EVs, as well as avoiding the price haggling shenanigans that many people dislike.
• Forgoing expensive paid advertising and, instead, rely on word-of-mouth, social media "influencers" and other non-traditional means to introduce people to this brand of compelling, aspirational products that people can get excited about.
• Having the foresight and audacity to build a massive battery manufacturing and assembly factory to drive costs down, control quality and ensure a reliable source of this key component.
• Vertically integrating the production of its vehicles so that they have better control over the design, manufacture and availability of various components, subsystems, etc. This also enables them to produce a more synergistic product since they can design and build with compatibility in mind (e.g., hardware/software integration).