Franz von Holzhausen Interview on Ride the Lightning Podcast:
A 54-minute interview with Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen. Conducted on January 11th, 2023 at the Tesla Design Studio in Hawthorne, California. Podcast host Ryan McCaffrey thanks Franz for returning as a guest.

Cybertruck Discussion:
McCaffrey begins by discussing the Cybertruck, a highly anticipated vehicle due for release in 2023. McCaffrey and Franz visit the Peterson Auto Museum’s Tesla exhibit, which features many historic Tesla vehicles. Franz expresses his appreciation for the exhibit, highlighting its importance in preserving Tesla’s history. The original Cybertruck Alpha prototype is on display at the museum, sparking McCaffrey’s curiosity about its design inspiration.

Cybertruck Design Inspiration:
McCaffrey points out similarities between the Cybertruck and the DeLorean, another wedge-shaped car. Franz clarifies that the DeLorean was not a direct inspiration for the Cybertruck. However, he acknowledges the possible influence of the DeLorean and other wedge-shaped cars on the Cybertruck’s design.

Cybertruck Stainless Steel Finish:
McCaffrey examines the stainless steel finish of the Cybertruck prototype at the museum. He notes that the prototype’s stainless steel lacks a clear grain pattern, unlike the brushed stainless steel of the DeLorean. Franz confirms that the Cybertruck’s stainless steel finish is different from that of the DeLorean. He explains that Tesla has developed a unique finish that can be buffed or repaired in the event of scratches.

Stainless Steel Body:
Tesla is the first company since DeLorean to use gullwing-like doors and a stainless steel body on a mass-produced vehicle. DuPont experimented with a tinted clear coat for the stainless steel to add color while preserving the grain, but Tesla has not pursued this option. The stainless steel is incredibly hard and durable, making it the toughest material on the exterior of the car. Painting stainless steel can lead to chipping and peeling over time, so Tesla opted against a painted finish. The glossy sheen of the stainless steel has been intentionally reduced to make it more resistant to marring and scratches.

Warranty:
DeLorean offered a 25-year body warranty on its stainless steel vehicles, demonstrating confidence in its longevity. The Cybertruck’s stainless steel is thicker and harder than DeLorean’s, making it even more durable. Tesla is considering offering a similar long-term warranty for the Cybertruck’s body, but it is not yet confirmed.

Cybertruck Easter Egg:
The original Cybertruck prototype featured a cyberfied Tesla T logo as a charge indicator on the charge port. The logo was designed with sharp edges and an 8-bit style, reflecting the truck’s futuristic and angular design. It is unclear whether the cyberfied Tesla T logo will make it to the final production version of the Cybertruck.

Initial Reactions and Transformation:
The Cybertruck’s debut sparked a wave of initial skepticism and dislike among many, including automotive expert Ryan McCaffrey. However, over time, many underwent a significant shift in perception, eventually embracing and even loving the vehicle’s unique design and features.

Longevity and Easy Care:
McCaffrey emphasizes the Cybertruck’s longevity and ease of maintenance as key factors that won him over. The stainless steel body resists rust and aging, promising a durable and long-lasting vehicle. McCaffrey draws parallels to his experience with a DeLorean, highlighting the enduring quality of stainless steel.

Design Paradigm Shift:
The Cybertruck represents a complete departure from traditional design norms, challenging established paradigms. McCaffrey observed a pattern among his podcast listeners, who initially expressed dislike but later grew to appreciate the vehicle’s unique character and aesthetics.

Franz von Holzhausen’s Perspective:
Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Designer, acknowledges the polarizing nature of the Cybertruck’s design. He believes that the vehicle’s radical difference and fresh approach require time for people to grow accustomed to and appreciate. Holzhausen draws a comparison to the Countach, a Lamborghini model that initially faced similar polarizing reactions due to its groundbreaking design.

Uniqueness and Captivity:
Holzhausen emphasizes the importance of creating products with allure, captivating features, and character. The Cybertruck’s unique design and unconventional approach have generated a sense of exclusivity and desirability among potential buyers. The vehicle’s distinctiveness appeals to those seeking something different and unique, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the Cybertruck community.

Vehicle Uniqueness:
Tesla aimed to create a pickup truck that stands out from the competition in terms of style and functionality. The Cybertruck’s unique design, dubbed “Cybershark,” is intended to appeal to individuals who seek a vehicle that is unconventional yet highly capable. The vehicle’s radical appearance is a reflection of Tesla’s willingness to push boundaries and take risks in its design approach.

Design Challenges:
Tesla faced challenges in developing a vehicle that breaks away from traditional pickup truck silhouettes while maintaining practicality and meeting customer expectations. The company had to strike a balance between creating a vehicle that is visually appealing and one that can withstand the demands of a workhorse truck.

Market Impact:
The Cybertruck’s unique design has attracted individuals who would typically not consider owning a pickup truck. Tesla’s success in attracting new customers demonstrates the appeal of the vehicle’s unconventional design and its ability to break down traditional market segments.

Manufacturing and Design Process:
Tesla’s manufacturing process is characterized by continuous refinement and improvement throughout the vehicle’s development and production phases. The company’s design team actively works to scrutinize every detail of the vehicle, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and functionality. This iterative approach allows Tesla to make improvements based on engineering and manufacturing insights, resulting in constant product enhancements.

Cybertruck Design Finalization:
The Cybertruck’s design is essentially finalized as Tesla prepares for production in the next six months. However, the company continues to work on refining the vehicle’s details and incorporating improvements based on engineering and manufacturing feedback.

Door Handles and Entry System:
The Cybertruck will feature self-presenting door handles similar to the Model S, eliminating the need for manual handle operation. The rear doors may also incorporate a similar self-presenting mechanism, along with buttons on the B-pillar and C-pillar for additional access options.

Yoke Steering Wheel:
The Cybertruck’s prototypes featured a Yoke steering wheel, which offers a unique driving experience. While Tesla initially offered the Yoke as an option on the new Model S and X, the company has not yet confirmed whether it will be available in the production version of the Cybertruck.

Cybertruck Features:
The yoke steering wheel provides a great driving experience, especially when combined with autopilot. There are pleasant surprises and competitive features in the Cybertruck that will be revealed later. The truck is designed to be versatile and customizable, catering to various user needs.

Electric Vehicle Competition:
Franz von Holzhausen acknowledges the increasing competition in the electric vehicle space. He sees the push towards EVs as a positive development, driven by Tesla’s mission to accelerate the transition. The challenges for other manufacturers lie in offering competitively priced vehicles with the necessary utility, range, and usability.

Roadster Development:
Tesla is working on the next-generation Roadster, but it is not a mass product. The company’s priorities lie in mass electrification, which affects the Roadster’s development timeline. The time taken has allowed Tesla to improve upon the Roadster’s performance and usability metrics. The Roadster will likely surpass the performance and capabilities of the Plaid Model S.

Tesla’s Commitment to Innovation:
Franz von Holzhausen emphasizes the company’s continuous efforts to innovate and push boundaries. He highlights the Model S Plaid’s achievement in meeting the performance goals initially set for the Roadster. Tesla continues to refine and improve its vehicles, seeking to deliver the best possible products to customers.

Model S Refresh:
Ongoing improvements to the Tesla Model S after a recent refresh, including interior, exterior, and UI enhancements.

Model S Facelift:
The facelift for the Model S was in development for about a year, with the goal of improving manufacturability, serviceability, and overall aesthetics. The facelift was introduced to new markets like Europe and China, where it is still considered a new car.

Aggressive Stance:
The wider rear quarters and tires on the refreshed Model S are primarily performance-driven, allowing for better grip and handling.

New Round Steering Wheel:
The new round steering wheel option is a response to customer feedback. Tesla typically prefers to streamline configuration options to simplify manufacturing and deliver more EVs, but customer demand influenced this decision.

Design Philosophy:
Tesla’s focus is to provide customers with cars they love, removing obstacles that might hinder that experience. Over time, Tesla has become more established, allowing them to tone down excessive branding on their cars.

Minimalist Design Approach:
Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s Chief Designer, prefers a minimalist approach, avoiding excessive branding and aiming for a clean look. Tesla’s minimalist approach is driven by a desire to avoid cluttering the car with excessive branding and to maintain a modern and fresh feel even after years of ownership.

Capacitive Touch Buttons:
The use of capacitive touch buttons on the Yoke and new steering wheel was driven by a desire for a cleaner solution. Mechanical switches can feel clunky and outdated over time, and Tesla aims to keep its cars feeling modern and fresh.

Drag Coefficient Improvements:
Tesla’s ability to reduce the drag coefficient on the refreshed Model S despite its larger frontal area is attributed to close collaboration between designers and aerodynamicists. Small adjustments and refinements, guided by daily interactions with the aerodynamic team, can significantly impact the car’s aerodynamics. Tesla’s aerodynamic design team is highly involved in the design process and plays a crucial role in improving the overall efficiency of the car.

Model S Design Revisions:
The Model S has undergone numerous design revisions under the skin, resulting in continuous improvements in various aspects of the car. These revisions include drivetrain improvements, seat upgrades, and various other enhancements, contributing to the car’s overall evolution and refinement.

Seat Design:
Tesla has made significant improvements to the seats in its cars over the years. Tesla’s current seats are considered the best yet, offering a comfortable and supportive driving experience. Tesla’s design team is continuously working to further improve the seats in its cars, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of comfort and support.

Seating Comfort and Evolution:
Seating comfort is a priority, especially in the transition to autonomous driving. Tesla strives to improve seating designs for both driving and passenger experiences.

Interior Design in the Autonomous Era:
Full autonomy opens up possibilities for reimagining interior designs. Tesla considers how people interact in cars and how they spend time during long or short trips. The focus is on maximizing comfort and productivity for passengers.

Color Choices and Development:
Tesla’s color palette is developed in-house with the design team. Elon Musk has the final say in color approvals. New colors, like Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red, have been introduced in Europe.

Paint Shop Upgrades and New Colors:
Tesla plans to expand new paint colors to other factories and vehicles. The Roadster may feature unique color options.

Model 3 and Model Y Updates:
Tesla is committed to minimizing design elements. The possibility of deleting stocks on the Model 3 and Model Y in the future is acknowledged.

Demand for Model 3 and Y Design Changes:
The Model 3 and Y designs have proven popular with consumers, and Tesla sees no need for significant changes. A poll conducted by Franz von Holzhausen revealed that the public agrees, with many finding the current design modern and aesthetically pleasing.

Success of the Model Y:
Franz von Holzhausen is proud of the Model Y’s success and appreciates the positive impact it has had on transportation. The most rewarding aspect is seeing customers’ love for the vehicle and their positive experiences with it.

Tesla’s Mission to Convert More Customers to EVs:
Franz von Holzhausen sees a vast opportunity to convert more customers to electric vehicles. He believes that Tesla needs to continue proving that EVs offer a superior ownership and driving experience, along with enhanced safety features.

Tesla’s Commitment to Safety:
Franz von Holzhausen emphasizes the importance of safety, especially for families with children. He believes that Tesla vehicles provide the lowest probability of injury in the event of an accident.

Design Language and Global Design Centers:
Tesla doesn’t adhere to a specific design language, allowing for design evolution and localization. The Shanghai and Berlin design centers are part of a global team, working towards the ultimate goal of designing localized products.

Challenges in Shortening Design to Production Time:
Tesla aims to reduce the time from design to production, but faces several challenges. The Model 3’s seemingly rapid production was a result of a more straightforward design and fewer engineering complexities. The Roadster, a more ambitious project, has a longer development timeline due to its unique features and high-performance requirements.

Tesla’s Mission:
Franz von Holzhausen emphasizes the importance of accelerating product development and making Tesla’s products available to the public as quickly as possible to drive change and adhere to the company’s mission.

Volume Products:
Holzhausen highlights the significance of focusing on volume products that make the biggest impact, as they have the potential to reach a broader audience and contribute more to the company’s goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Ryan McCaffrey emphasizes the strong relationships and blurred lines between different teams at Tesla, which facilitates seamless collaboration and innovation.

Skillset Expansion:
Holzhausen mentions that his skillset has grown beyond design, as he and his team are actively involved in the entire project lifecycle, from inception to iteration, working closely with engineers in the factories.

Rapid Decision-Making:
Holzhausen describes Tesla’s decision-making process as being characterized by speed and a “when in doubt, there is no doubt” approach, which enables quick execution of ideas.

Model 3’s Success:
Holzhausen expresses his satisfaction with the Model 3, considering it a great car that has stood the test of time. He acknowledges that continuous improvements are made to enhance its performance, sound levels, and comfort.

Model Y’s Structural Battery Pack:
McCaffrey brings up the Model Y’s transition to a structural battery pack with 4680 battery cells in Texas, indicating a potential similar shift for the Model 3 in the future for manufacturing efficiency.

Future Legacy:
McCaffrey asks Holzhausen about his aspirations for his legacy in the automotive industry. While Holzhausen refrains from discussing future projects, he expresses his hope to leave a legacy of pushing boundaries and making a significant impact.

Franz von Holzhausen’s Tesla Podcast Interview:
Autonomy is expected to drastically alter personal transportation and the industry as a whole. The possibility of Tesla setting the standard for future transportation excites Franz. Franz is enthusiastic about being a part of the process of shaping the future of transportation.

Tesla Price Cuts:
Base Model 3: $47,000 to $44,000 Model 3 Performance: $63,000 to $54,000 Model Y Long Range: $66,000 to $53,000 Model Y Performance: $70,000 to $57,000 Model S Long Range: $105,000 to $95,000 Model S Plaid: $136,000 to $115,000 Model X Long Range: $121,000 to $110,000 Model X Plaid: $139,000 to $120,000

Impact of Price Cuts:
Model Y Dual Motor Long Range now qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. Effective price of the Model Y Long Range after tax credit: $45,500. This makes it an extremely competitive option in the midsize crossover SUV segment. Tesla’s vertical integration of battery production gives them a cost advantage over competitors.

Tesla’s Battery Advantage:
Tesla’s battery manufacturing, started in 2017 at Giga Nevada, offers a competitive advantage.

Model Y Price Decrease:
Model Y price drops back to a more appropriate level after significant increases over the past 18-24 months. Recent buyers may feel the impact of this sudden price decrease, despite having a great car.

Lack of Gradual Price Decreases:
Tesla’s sudden price drop was necessary to avoid training buyers to wait for future decreases. Offering incentives to recent buyers could help mitigate the impact of the price drop.

Model 3 Tax Credit Eligibility:
Base and performance Model 3 qualify for the full $7,500 tax credit until March, when battery content sourcing criteria will be defined. Base Model 3 uses Chinese-sourced LFP batteries, potentially disqualifying it from half the credit after March.

Dual-Motor Long-Range Model 3:
Expected to return and qualify for the full tax credit, priced between $48,000 and $49,000.

Performance Model Y Ineligibility:
Performance Model Y does not qualify for the tax credit due to its 5-seat configuration and MSRP over $55,000.

Autopilot Hardware 4 Caution:
Buyers considering a purchase now should be aware of Autopilot Hardware 4, which may not have an upgrade path for current Hardware 3 cars.

Cybertruck as an Alternative:
The writer and his wife decided to wait for the Cybertruck instead of buying a Model 3, considering the price cuts.

Base Model 3 Affordability:
The base Model 3 at $36,500 after tax credit offers excellent value with a 272-mile range, basic autopilot, and suitability for daily use.

Midnight Silver Metallic Paint Color No Longer Free:
Midnight Silver Metallic paint color, previously free for a couple of years, now costs $1000 extra. Pearl White Multicoat remains the only free paint color option. Ryan McCaffrey hopes for a new premium paint color option in the United States, similar to Quicksilver and Midnight Cherry Red available in Europe.

Ride the Lightning Hotline:
Callers can share their thoughts and reactions to Franz’s interview on the Ride the Lightning Hotline. Calls should be 90 seconds or less to allow for more callers. Callers can either record their question using their smartphone and email it to teslapodcast@gmail.com or call the Ride the Lightning Hotline toll-free at 1-888-989-8752.

Episode Wrap-Up:
Ryan McCaffrey expresses his excitement about the interview with Franz and hopes listeners enjoyed it. He encourages new listeners to check out episode 200 with Elon and episode 220 with Franz’s first appearance.

Overview:
Ride the Lightning is a podcast that focuses on Tesla and electric vehicles. It is hosted by Ryan McCaffrey and has been publishing weekly episodes since August 2015.

Availability:
The podcast is available on major podcast services, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, and Spotify. It is also available on YouTube in audio-only format.

Contact:
Listeners can email the podcast at teslapodcast@gmail.com or follow Ryan McCaffrey on Twitter and Instagram @DMC_Ryan.

Content:
The podcast covers a wide range of topics related to Tesla, including news, reviews, interviews, and discussions about the future of electric vehicles. The podcast is not affiliated with Tesla and is independently produced. The podcast’s goal is to provide listeners with information and entertainment about Tesla and electric vehicles.