Tesla’s Safety Expert Leaves After 14 Years of Driving Improvement

Petter Winberg, Tesla’s top crash safety architect and Principal Engineer for CAE crashing safety, has announced his departure from the automaker after 14 years. Winberg was instrumental in achieving top safety scores for Tesla’s entire car lineup, including the Model S, Model 3, Model Y, and Model X.

Winberg joined Tesla in 2011 to work on the crash safety development of the Model S structure and side occupant restraints. Under his leadership, Tesla vehicles have received top safety crash scores from independent testers worldwide, elevating the brand into a leader in passive safety.

During his tenure, Winberg led the development of vehicle body and chassis structures for key models, as well as crash structures for other models. He also designed Tesla’s latest “gigacasting” battery pack designs, which have been adopted by other automakers. Winberg’s work has significantly contributed to improving the automotive industry’s safety standards.

Despite his impressive achievements, Winberg didn’t elaborate on his reasons for leaving Tesla or announce another venture. This departure marks a significant loss for Tesla, particularly after recent layoffs and a struggling sales performance worldwide. However, Winberg’s contributions to Tesla’s safety record will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the industry.

Source: https://electrek.co/2025/03/15/tesla-top-crash-safety-architect-quits