Book Review: ‘The Tesla Files’ by Sönke Iwersen and Michael Verfürden

Book Title: The Tesla Files: A whistleblower, a leak, a fight for truth: The Inside Story of Musk’s Empire
Author: Sönke Iwersen and Michael Verfürden
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 978-1405984829
Date Published: Jul. 24, 2025
Price: INR 668

Book Review

“The Tesla Files,” authored by Sönke Iwersen and Michael Verfürden, chronicles a significant exposé stemming from a whistleblower’s leak of over 100GB of internal Tesla documents. It reveals an unsettling truth about Elon Musk’s empire, characterized by a troubling number of workplace accidents, serious errors in the autopilot software, and a pervasive culture of fear and deception within the company. The authors utilize chilling analyses of internal data and court documents, accompanied by firsthand accounts from employees and bereaved families, to detail the darker side of Tesla’s operations and Musk’s immense power.

The book’s writing captures readers through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, showcasing the systemic issues surrounding data security, with revelations of alarming data handling practices and a toxic work environment. Key insights include the lack of basic protective controls over sensitive information and testimonials that paint a picture of Musk not only as a successful businessman but as a figure wielding potentially dangerous power unchecked by accountability.

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While the book serves as a damning indictment of the prevalent issues at Tesla, it also reflects on the complexities of holding such a powerful individual accountable, emphasising the dangers associated with unchecked corporate power. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of Musk’s influence, making it a vital read for those interested in understanding the implications of power dynamics within influential corporations.

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