The object
J. B. Straubel led the engineering team behind the original Tesla Roadster's battery pack, electric motor, electronic controls and power electronics. Those integrated physical systems made a long-range, high-performance lithium-ion road car feasible and helped establish the modern electric-vehicle hardware supply chain.
What J. did
Led engineering of the original Tesla Roadster's battery pack, motor, electronic controls and power electronics with his technical team.
Why it matters
MIT Technology Review credits Straubel's team with engineering the Roadster's core hardware, and Stanford describes him as a lithium-ion battery innovator and electric-vehicle pioneer.
Living-status check
Stanford reported Straubel speaking on campus on 20 February 2024, positive dated evidence he was alive in 2024.