The Green Blueprint The scrappy beginning of Tesla’s energy business
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Apr 23, 2025 
Drew Baglino, former senior VP at Tesla and now CEO of Heron Power, shares the scrappy beginnings of Tesla’s energy division. He recounts how a passionate team built the iconic Powerwall using vehicle parts, all while grappling with critical supply chain issues. With innovative resource sharing, they managed to release the Powerwall 2 amidst increasing demand. Drew also discusses the importance of collaboration with suppliers and how design plays a key role in customer satisfaction. His insights reveal the dedication behind creating a market-defining product.
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Scrappy Team Builds Powerwall
- Drew's small, scrappy team built Powerwall and Powerpack amid Tesla's tough Model 3 ramp.
- They leveraged SolarCity talent and shared resources to meet clear project targets under pressure.
Fluid Roles in Intense Environment
- Tesla's energy team needed fluidity, with engineers working on manufacturing and product development interchangeably.
- This intense, all-hands approach motivated many but was challenging for some team members.
Battling Cell Shortages
- Cell shortages caused the Powerwall team to pare back build plans despite rising demand.
- This scarcity strained relationships and burned out team members but was considered necessary.