Rating:		5/5	Business

Power Play

Elon Musk, Tesla and the Bet of the Century

by Tim Higgins

Although Elon Musk is the central character in this book, this isn’t a book just about Elon Musk as much as it is the story of Tesla Motors itself. The book primarily tells the story of the original founders of Tesla and their ambition to create an electric sports car unlike anything seen before. And how that idea turned into one of the most highly valued car corporations in the world.

It follows the story of Tesla’s journey beginning with the Roadster, the Model S and X, the Model 3 and Model Y before arriving at the Cybertruck, the Tesla Semi and the newest second generation Tesla Roadster. Along the way we learn about all the other characters that contributed to Tesla’s innovation and success, and how many fell by the wayside; usually victim to Elon’s dark side or to stress and burn out.

Whether you know a lot or little about Tesla, this book will reveal things you didn’t know. It feels like an insider’s account which never flinches from detailing the really dark episodes as well as the company’s successes. It explains how Tesla forged partnerships with the likes of Toyota, Daimler (Mercedes) and Panasonic and the terms on which those partnerships were based.

In its short history, Tesla has been so close to failure on a number of occasions, and it is through Musk’s sheer force of character and willingness to take risks that the company has succeeded where others would most likely have failed.

Whatever you think of Elon Musk and Tesla as a car manufacturer, you won’t be able to put this book down once you start. It’s just like being on a roller coaster ride. Highly recommended.