The Tesla logo is a stylized letter "T" that is inspired by the cross section of an electric motor.
Initially, many people saw the Tesla logo as simply a fashion-forward "T" symbol, without realizing the deeper meaning behind it.
There have also been some interesting speculations floating around the web about what the "T" symbol might mean, including some who believe it was inspired by a cat's nose since it looks so similar. It may be that Tesla CEO Elon Musk's humorous answer on Twitter doesn't really negate this interpretation, but this isn't what the "T" symbol really means!
Yes
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2019
At first glance, it might appear that the Tesla logo is just a stylized "T" representing the company's initials, but there's more to it than that. Fortunately, there's finally an explanation for what the "T" symbol really means!
In 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered the most plausible explanations of the meaning behind the company's logo. In response to a query from a Twitter follower, Musk stated that the logo is intended to represent the cross-section of an electric motor. This interpretation is different from the commonly accepted explanation that the logo represents a shield, symbolizing safety.
Similar to SpaceX, the T is like a cross section of an electric motor, just as the X is like a rocket trajectory
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2017
According to this theory, the main body of the "T" represents one of the poles that protrude from the rotor of an electric motor, while the second line on top represents a piece of the stator. When the Tesla logo is repeated in a circle, with the top of each "T" facing outward, it creates a decent approximation of an electric-motor cross-section.
The Tesla logo represents the cross-section of an electric motor.
So, while the Tesla logo may have initially been seen as just a fashion-forward “T" symbol, it actually has a deeper meaning that reflects the company's mission and values. The logo is designed to represent a cross-section of an electric motor, which symbolizes the company's focus on electric power and clean energy. The sleek and modern design of the logo also reflects the company's innovative and forward-thinking approach to technology.
The name "Tesla" was actually suggested by one of the co-founders, Martin Eberhard, who the Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla inspired.
Eberhard was reportedly a fan of Tesla's work and thought that the name would be a good fit for the company's focus on sustainable energy and electric vehicle technology.
Nikola Tesla was known for his contributions to the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical supply system, which is still widely used today. He was also a proponent of wireless communication and renewable energy sources, making him a perfect inspiration for Tesla Inc's vision of a sustainable future powered by electric cars.
In addition, the name Tesla also had a certain mystique to it, which helped to generate interest in the company and its products.
In February 2017, Tesla Motors officially changed its name to Tesla, Inc. to reflect the company's expansion beyond cars into other areas such as energy storage and solar power. The name change was made to better represent the company's overall mission of accelerating transition to sustainable energy, rather than just focusing on electric cars.
It's worth noting, however, that Musk has been instrumental in shaping Tesla's brand and image and has played a key role in the company's success.
RELATED: How Much Did Tesla's Name Cost? — $75,000
The original Tesla logo was created in 2004 by Prado Studio and RO Studio, the latter an American design firm with a long-standing relationship with Elon Musk.
Tesla's first logo consisted of two components: the company name and a shield emblem with the symbol in the shape of the letter T. The logo was prominently displayed on the front hood of the Tesla Roadster (first generation) and on the steering wheel.
However, over time, the company decided to simplify the logo and opted to drop the shield emblem, leaving only the stylized "T" as the primary visual element.
Later, RO Studio was responsible for improving and updating the Tesla logo in 2007 to create the version of the logo that is still in use today.
This change was made to create a more streamlined and modern look for the brand's visual identity, and to make the logo more versatile and adaptable for use across a range of marketing materials and products.
The stylized "T" has since become a recognizable symbol of the Tesla brand, representing the company's innovative and forward-thinking approach to technology and design.
The logo has been used on all of Tesla's subsequent models, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, as well as on the company's website, marketing materials, and merchandise.
RELATED: Why are Tesla Vehicles so Popular?
There’s an interesting story behind the name of the Tesla Model 3. Those who have been following the company for a while might know that it was originally supposed to be called ‘Model E’. Due to a trademark problem with Ford, Tesla changed it to ‘Model 3’ and stylized the ‘3’ with 3 horizontal lines ☰ – like the ‘E’ in the ‘Tesla’ logo.
On January 25, 2017, Tesla changed the Model 3 logo from 3 horizontal lines (☰) to the number 3. We're relatively certain the name/logo change has some link to search engines queries, as the old 3 horizontal lines format doesn't make Google happy, and friendly.
RELATED: The Origin and Fun Facts About the Tesla Model 3 Name
The Cybertruck logo features the name "Cybertruck" in bold, stylized letters that resemble graffiti or street art. The letters are arranged in a slightly curved shape, with the "C" and "T" standing out in larger font sizes.
The logo is designed to reflect the Cybertruck's unconventional and futuristic design, as well as its edgy, urban appeal. The graffiti-style logo has been widely used in promotional materials and marketing campaigns for the Cybertruck, and has become a recognizable symbol of Tesla's foray into the pickup truck market.
RELATED: The Cybertruck: Why Took So Long? The answer Is Here!
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
