A Riveting Chronicle of Power, Fear, and the Truth Behind the World’s Most Mythic Tech Empire
The Tesla Files is the investigative deep dive the world has been waiting for—a high-voltage exposé pulling back the curtain on one of the most secretive companies in the world, and the controversial billionaire who runs it.
When an anonymous whistleblower and ex-Tesla employee approached the German newspaper Handelsblatt in late 2022, they dropped a bombshell: thousands of confidential files exposing the cracks in Elon Musk’s electric empire. From internal safety concerns and suppressed customer complaints to a workplace culture driven by fear and control, The Tesla Files is a gripping account of what happens when hype overshadows substance—and when investigative journalism dares to confront the most powerful man in the world.
Combining fearless reporting with razor-sharp narrative, this book is more than just a look under the hood of the world’s most famous car company. It’s a chilling portrait of how Silicon Valley ambition, celebrity power, and unchecked influence collide—with real-world consequences.
Key highlights:
- Based on 100GB+ of leaked internal Tesla documents
- Uncovers the culture of secrecy, risk, and silence within Tesla’s ranks
- Explores the intersection of tech, media manipulation, and political power
- An unflinching look at Elon Musk’s leadership style—and the people caught in the crossfire
- A must-read for anyone interested in the future of mobility, corporate accountability, and the role of billionaires in shaping global policy
In an era where innovation is idolized and influence is currency, The Tesla Files asks urgent questions: What is the real cost of disruption? Who protects the public when tech giants operate beyond scrutiny? And can anyone hold the richest man in the world accountable?
About by Sönke Iwersen
Sönke Iwersen is an award-winning journalist who has led the investigative team at Germany’s top business newspaper, Handelsblatt, since 2012. Known for uncovering complex stories with precision, he has received numerous accolades, including four Watchdog Awards, the Kurt Tucholsky Prize for Literary Journalism, and the German Reporter Prize. Named Business Journalist of the Year, Iwersen also teaches at the Georg von Holtzbrinck School for Business Journalists and hosts the acclaimed podcast Handelsblatt Crime, where he merges investigative rigor with compelling storytelling.
About by Michael Verfürden
Michael Verfürden is a distinguished investigative journalist at Handelsblatt, renowned for his in-depth reporting on topics such as abuse of power in the financial sector, questionable real estate practices, and corporate-targeted cyberattacks. His relentless investigation into the Wirecard scandal unearthed secrets that even German law enforcement agencies had missed. Verfürden teaches research methods in cyberspace at the Georg von Holtzbrinck School for Business Journalists, blending traditional investigative techniques with advanced digital tools.
