In a rare and revealing interview with YouTuber Kim Java, Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard delved into the electric car company’s early days, offering candid insights into his relationship with Elon Musk—the man who would become Tesla’s most recognizable face.

The Inspiring Name Behind Tesla

Eberhard recounted the charming story behind the company’s iconic name. “The idea of Tesla came to me because I was thinking about the motor I wanted to use. It came to me while I was on a date with a woman who became my wife,” he shared. This lighthearted moment unfolded at the Blue Bayou restaurant in Disneyland, where the couple enjoyed a romantic view overlooking the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

Amidst the ambiance of candlelight and whimsical boat rides, the name Tesla sparked to life. Eberhard reflected, “Naming a company is difficult. I had thought of a lot of lame names that I didn’t like.” The name Tesla, honoring the legendary inventor Nikola Tesla, struck the perfect blend of heritage and futuristic promise.

A Founding Story Often Overshadowed

Founded in July 2003, Tesla Motors was birthed long before Elon Musk entered the scene as an investor and chairman of the board in 2004. Eventually, Musk assumed control of the company and propelled it to a global brand, though Eberhard’s foundational contributions are frequently overlooked in public narratives.

Eberhard addressed this oversight with subtle sarcasm: “I’ve been out of the company since the end of 2007, and yet every now and then he [Musk] decides to attack me again on some social media platform—or even on the stage at TED, he’s done that—which is kind of weird.”

In a mic-drop moment, Eberhard smirked as he added, “Somebody pointed out that I’m still occupying real estate in his head. Which is kind of funny when you think about it.”

Insights on AI and Disappointment with ChatGPT

The conversation didn’t stop at Tesla’s origin story. Eberhard also shared his thoughts on Artificial Intelligence, a hot topic in today’s tech landscape. When asked about using tools like Grok or ChatGPT, he plainly replied, “No.”

While he admitted to having “fooled around” with these tools, he expressed disappointment in their efficacy. Eberhard noted that ChatGPT often provides answers with complete confidence—even when they’re incorrect. “I find this to be dangerous,” he remarked, stressing the risks of AI confidently disseminating misinformation to users who may not fully comprehend the subject matter.

The Future: No Reconciliation with Musk?

When questioned about the possibility of reconciliation with Musk, Eberhard decisively shut it down. “No, I don’t think so. No, I can’t imagine how that would happen from either one of us. He’s pretty set in his ways,” he stated firmly.

Conclusion

Martin Eberhard’s insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Tesla and the complex dynamics with Elon Musk. As the electric vehicle industry continues to evolve, understanding these foundational stories is essential for grasping the journey of innovation that transformed Tesla into a household name.