Teledyne FLIR Thermal Camera Systems: A Clearer Vision for Safer Roads
As autonomous driving and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technologies race toward mainstream adoption, the spotlight is shifting to the sensors that make them possible. One company leading the charge in thermal vision is Teledyne FLIR—a name synonymous with forward-looking infrared systems used extensively in defense, aerospace, and now increasingly, automotive design. In a recent […]
Ford Mach-E Thermal System Teardown: What Went Wrong?
When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) engineering, less is often more. Lean design, efficient packaging, and simple thermal routing can make or break performance, reliability, and cost. Munro & Associates’ recent teardown of the Ford Mach-E’s thermal system puts this principle to the test—and exposes a tangled web of complexity that engineers and EV […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Tesla Teardown Talk: Sandy Munro Meets the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley
Sandy Munro and the Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley recently met for an energetic and insightful Q&A session. What followed was a no-holds-barred conversation on EV design, manufacturing innovation, and where legacy automakers are falling behind. From the practical impact of mega castings to the limits of phantom braking, Sandy and Corey Steuben of Munro […]
Under the Hood: Tesla Model 3’s Cooling System Improvements
Tesla’s 2021 Model 3 has undergone some key under-the-hood refinements—particularly in the front trunk (frunk) design and the vehicle’s thermal management system. These updates don’t just improve robustness and reliability. They have a real impact on cost and performance, especially in extreme weather conditions. In this teardown review, Munro & Associates takes a closer […]
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’s 4680 Battery Design Evolution: A Deep Dive into Pack Architecture and Power
TTesla’s 4680 battery pack represents a pivotal leap in EV architecture, performance, and manufacturing economics. At Munro & Associates, we’ve dissected both the older 2170 cell design and the newer 4680 format to uncover how Tesla continues pushing the boundaries of lean automotive design. In this post, we explore the design rationale, electrical configuration, and […]