Elon Musk Unfiltered: Tesla’s Manufacturing Revolution
In an exclusive 49-minute one-on-one interview, Sandy Munro sits down with Elon Musk at SpaceX’s Boca Chica site to discuss everything from Tesla’s manufacturing evolution to the next frontier in self-driving technology. For automotive engineers, EV enthusiasts, and investors alike, this candid conversation offers a rare glimpse into Musk’s raw thoughts on production pain points, […]
Volkswagen ID.4 Electric Motor Teardown: A Modular Masterclass in Lean Design
When Volkswagen handed over their ID.4 electric motor to Munro & Associates, they did something rare in the auto industry: they invited a no-holds-barred teardown on camera. And we delivered. This permanent magnet (PM) motor offered a compelling look into how VW is approaching the global EV market—with a strong focus on modularity, cost reduction, […]
Cybertruck Body Structure Faceoff
A Bold Leap in Lean Truck Design Tesla’s Cybertruck isn’t just another pickup—it’s a radical departure from everything the truck market has seen before. In this post, we’ll break down how its exoskeleton design compares to conventional body-on-frame and unibody configurations seen in Ford, Chevy, and Ram trucks. This expert analysis highlights the material choices, […]
Inside Tesla’s Motor Evolution: Model Y vs Model 3 Teardown
Electric vehicles are more than battery packs and sleek user interfaces — their powertrains are evolving fast, and Tesla remains at the forefront. In a recent teardown walkthrough, Munro & Associates examined the electric motors from the Tesla Model Y and Model 3, comparing them not just to each other, but to motors from leading […]
Engineering Deeper: EV Electrical Architecture, Scalability, and Serviceability
Electric vehicle (EV) innovation doesn’t stop with batteries and motors. The electrical and electronic architecture (EEA) that underpins vehicle communication, diagnostics, and control systems is equally critical. In this in-depth teardown analysis, Munro & Associates explore the EEA strategies behind Tesla’s Model Y, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen’s ID.4 with an electrical architecture comparison. What […]
Mach-E Front Motor Teardown: Sandy Praises Ingenious Design
At Munro & Associates, Sandy Munro has earned a reputation for his no-nonsense engineering reviews. His teardowns spotlight critical insights into automotive design, cost optimization, and manufacturing efficiency. In a surprising turn, the latest teardown of the Ford Mach-E’s front motor system left Sandy genuinely impressed — a rare feat. Here’s why. First Impressions: A […]
Volkswagen ID.4 Battery Pack: Redesign Opportunities
In the competitive world of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, every kilogram matters. Lighter vehicles accelerate faster, drive farther, and cost less to produce. In a recent Munro & Associates teardown, the team explored the Volkswagen ID.4 battery pack, uncovering significant opportunities for redesign, weight reduction, and cost savings — particularly through the use of polymer […]
Tesla Model Y Teardown: 10 Expert Takeaways and What’s Next
At Munro & Associates, we’ve completed an in-depth teardown and analysis of the Tesla Model Y. The results? A comprehensive look at how Tesla continues to redefine lean design, cost-cutting, and continuous improvement. In this blog, we break down the top 10 insights from our analysis—and offer a glimpse into what’s next for Munro & […]
2021 Tesla Model 3 First Impressions: Improvements and Remaining Challenges
At Munro & Associates, our passion for expert teardown analysis drives us to dig deep into every new vehicle iteration. When the 2021 Tesla Model 3 arrived at our shop, excitement ran high. We hoped to see how much Tesla had refined its engineering, particularly around long-standing concerns like paint quality, build consistency, and cost-saving […]
Tesla E1 Steering and Weight Reduction Insights
Tesla continues to push the boundaries of vehicle design, but there’s always room to rethink tradition. In this expert teardown discussion, Munro & Associates explores unconventional paths Tesla might take with its E1 platform—specifically reimagining steering systems and shedding unnecessary weight. These insights target two critical areas of EV evolution: intuitive control and leaner, more […]