Jb Straubel

Jb Straubel, after building an electric Porsche 944 that achieved a world electric vehicle racing record in 2000, went on to co-found Volacom, where he co-invented a hydrogen-powered electric propulsion concept later licensed to Boeing. With a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in energy engineering from Stanford University, Straubel’s deep expertise in advanced energy systems led him to join Tesla in 2004 as its fifth employee. He was swiftly appointed the company’s inaugural Chief Technical Officer, a pivotal role he held until July 2019. In 2006, he appeared alongside Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger at the unveiling of the Tesla Roadster, and by 2007, he was featured in Popular Science magazine.

His career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing clean energy technologies from initial concept through mass-market implementation and end-of-life recycling.