J.B. Straubel is a well-known engineer and entrepreneur recognized for his work in sustainable energy and electric vehicle technology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Energy Systems Engineering and a Master of Science in Energy Engineering from Stanford University, focusing on energy conversion and storage systems.
Straubel is best known as a co-founder and former Chief Technology Officer of Tesla Inc., a leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy. He directed the technical development and engineering design of Tesla products, including battery technology and power electronics. His leadership was key in establishing Tesla’s Gigafactory, which improved the company’s production capabilities and helped transition from prototype vehicles to mass production.
In addition to his role at Tesla, Straubel was important in developing Tesla Energy, which offers grid storage solutions, and the Tesla Supercharger network, a global system of fast chargers. He also played a significant role in increasing production for the Model 3 and expanding battery production.
Beyond Tesla, Straubel served on the Board of Directors for SolarCity, a Tesla subsidiary focused on solar energy services. He co-founded Redwood Materials, a startup dedicated to recycling lithium-ion batteries and electronic waste. As CEO, he aims to create a system that reuses materials in new product development, furthering his commitment to sustainability.
Straubel has received many awards, including being named the “#1 Innovator of 35 under 35” by MIT Technology Review in 2008 and “Engineer of the Year” by DesignNews in 2009. In 2023, he returned to Tesla as an independent board member, continuing to influence technology and sustainability.
As a sought-after speaker, Straubel shares insights on sustainability, innovation, and the future of transportation and energy storage.
