Power Play audiobook cover - Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century

Power Play

Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century

Tim Higgins

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Categories:
Biography & MemoirTechnology & the Future

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Power Play
Origins & Vision+
Technological Breakthroughs+
Financial Survival+
Leadership & Culture+
Operational Chaos+
Industry Disruption+
Global Dominance+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
How did Elon Musk initially become involved with Tesla Motors?
  • A. He founded the company in 2003 using his fortune from selling PayPal.
  • B. He was hired as the lead engineer to design the Roadster's battery system.
  • C. He provided the vast majority of the initial funding and became the company's chairman.
  • D. He was brought in as CEO by the original founders to handle marketing and public relations.
Question 2 of 6
What technological choice differentiated the Tesla Roadster from previous failed electric vehicle attempts?
  • A. Utilizing solar panels on the roof to continuously charge the vehicle while driving.
  • B. Using lightweight lithium-ion batteries similar to those found in laptops.
  • C. Partnering with Toyota to use their proven hybrid engine technology.
  • D. Developing a proprietary solid-state battery that eliminated all fire risks.
Question 3 of 6
How did Elon Musk's approach to manufacturing and testing differ from established automakers like Toyota and German companies?
  • A. He prioritized worker safety over production speed, adopting Toyota's method of halting assembly lines at the first sign of trouble.
  • B. He demanded extensive multi-year testing in extreme weather conditions before starting any production.
  • C. He outsourced all manufacturing to third-party companies to avoid factory overhead costs.
  • D. He kept assembly lines running during problem-solving and significantly shortened standard testing phases.
Question 4 of 6
What was the strategic significance of the Model 3 for Tesla's long-term vision?
  • A. It was the company's first fully electric sports car designed strictly to compete with Porsche.
  • B. It served as Tesla's entry into the mainstream auto market by offering a vehicle at a much lower starting price of $35,000.
  • C. It was the first vehicle to be manufactured exclusively in their new Shanghai factory without US parts.
  • D. It was a limited-edition luxury model designed solely to raise emergency capital to avoid bankruptcy.
Question 5 of 6
Why was Tesla's expansion into China in 2019 crucial for the company's growth?
  • A. China provided a $1.26 billion loan to build a factory, helping Tesla scale production of the Model 3 and lower costs.
  • B. It allowed Tesla to acquire cheap lithium mines to vertically integrate their battery production.
  • C. It was the only way Tesla could avoid an SEC investigation into Elon Musk's controversial tweets.
  • D. Chinese engineers had developed a superior self-driving technology that Tesla needed to acquire to stay competitive.
Question 6 of 6
Despite operational chaos, high injury rates, and frequent recalls, what was Tesla's market position by the summer of 2020?
  • A. It filed for bankruptcy but was bailed out by a massive US government grant.
  • B. It transitioned exclusively into a battery-supplier for other major auto companies.
  • C. It was acquired by Ford in order to maintain its operations and fulfill backorders.
  • D. It became the most valuable automaker in the world, worth more than Toyota and Volkswagen combined.

Power Play — Full Chapter Overview

Power Play Summary & Overview

Power Play (2021) tells the story of Tesla’s rise from overambitious start-up to one of the most valuable players in the global auto industry. It charts the company’s rapid rise, its operational and financial struggles, and the leadership of its volatile CEO, Elon Musk.

Who Should Listen to Power Play?

  • People interested in tech start-up history
  • Auto industry and car aficionados
  • Entrepreneurs interested in tech innovation

About the Author: Tim Higgins

Tim Higgins is a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, where he covers Apple, Tesla, and other tech companies. He also regularly appears on CNBC as an on-air contributor to the tech and auto industries. Power Play is his first book.

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