The founder of Munro Associates, Sandy Munro, recently interviewed Tesla CEO Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla about the company’s Cybertruck.
The conversation, which took place late in the evening, covered various aspects of Tesla’s latest product release, emphasizing its revolutionary nature, from Giga Texas.
Musk highlighted the Cybertruck as Tesla’s most groundbreaking product to date, noting the challenges of bringing such an innovative vehicle to production. He emphasized the difficulty of transitioning from prototype to production, a process requiring a large team and several years. Musk’s approach to Tesla’s operations, often described as working at the ‘speed of thought’, contrasts sharply with the slower, committee-driven processes typical in the industry.
The discussion also touched on the technical advancements in the Cybertruck, including the shift from a 12-volt to a 48-volt electrical system. This change, while complex due to the need to adapt all peripheral devices to the new voltage, results in significant benefits. Higher voltage systems reduce resistance losses, allowing for thinner wires and less copper usage, ultimately leading to a lighter wire harness.
Another significant innovation discussed was the move to Ethernet over CAN bus, allowing for higher data rates and reducing the need for numerous point-to-point wires. This advancement, according to Musk, is about bringing car electronics up to date with current technology standards in 2023.
Musk and Munro also explored the Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire system, which eliminates a mechanical connection between the steering yoke and the wheels. This system allows for variable gain, adjusting the steering response based on the vehicle’s speed. Additionally, the Cybertruck features rear-wheel steering, enhancing maneuverability and ease of handling.
The Tesla leader also shared details on its next-gen vehicle, noting that the low-cost EV is geared for high-volume. He said he reviews the production line plans every week. “It’s a level of production technology that’s far in advance of any automotive plant on Earth,” said Musk. “The first production line will be in Giga Factory Texas, the second will be in Mexico.”
Check out the full interview below:
