Tesla’s top crash safety architect quits – Electrek.co

🔍 Summary:

Petter Winberg, a key figure in Tesla’s crash safety achievements, is leaving the company after a 14-year tenure. As Tesla’s Principal Engineer for CAE crashing safety, Winberg played a crucial role in securing top safety ratings for Tesla’s entire vehicle lineup, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. His work not only involved the development of vehicle body and chassis structures but also innovative designs like Tesla’s “gigacasting” and structural battery pack, which have been patented and adopted by other automakers.

Winberg’s departure is notable as he managed to work remotely from Sweden for the past five years, a rare arrangement given CEO Elon Musk’s known preference against remote work. Despite his significant contributions to Tesla’s reputation for passive safety, Winberg did not disclose his reasons for leaving nor any future plans. His exit adds to a series of high-profile departures from Tesla, which has seen a significant exodus of talent, particularly following a wave of layoffs.

Tesla, recognized for its pioneering approach to electric vehicle design, benefits from a skateboard-like powertrain and the absence of a traditional engine, allowing for enhanced crumple zones that improve crash safety. Winberg’s leadership in these areas has not only advanced Tesla’s safety features but has also influenced broader automotive safety standards. His departure is seen as a loss for Tesla amidst challenges including declining global sales and potential upcoming layoffs.

📌 Source: http://electrek.co/2025/03/15/tesla-top-crash-safety-architect-quits/