Former Tesla exec Drew Baglino’s new startup is rethinking the electrical transformer

Tech Crunch - Apr 7th, 2025

Former Tesla executive Drew Baglino has launched a new startup, Heron Power, focused on developing solid-state transformers for the electric grid. The company is currently in the process of raising between $30 million to $50 million in a Series A funding round, with Capricorn Investment Group expected to lead. Baglino, who played a crucial role in Tesla's powertrain and battery engineering, left the company last April during a wave of layoffs, signaling a new direction with Heron Power. This venture aims to innovate a largely stagnant field by creating compact, efficient, and actively managed transformers to enhance grid stability and accommodate renewable energy sources.

The introduction of solid-state transformers could significantly impact the electrical grid, an area that has seen little change in over a century. These advanced transformers offer solutions to voltage regulation issues that arise from renewable energy integration, like solar and wind power, and can seamlessly transition between power sources. Heron Power's efforts are mirrored by other startups, such as Singapore-based Amperesand, which also aims to revolutionize the transformer market. With the involvement of former Tesla employees, these ventures highlight a growing trend of innovation aimed at enhancing the resilience and efficiency of electrical infrastructure globally.

Tesla Renewable Energy Drew Baglino Heron Power Solid State Transformers Electric Grid Innovation Capricorn Investment Group Amperesand

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of Drew Baglino's new venture, Heron Power, and its focus on solid-state transformers. It accurately captures Baglino's background and the startup's objectives, making it a reliable source of information for those interested in energy innovations. However, the article could benefit from more diverse sourcing and transparency about its methodology. While it presents a timely topic, its focus on a specific startup may limit its broader public appeal. Overall, the article is clear and informative, with room for deeper exploration of the technical and market implications of the innovations discussed.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its factual representation of Drew Baglino's career at Tesla and his new venture, Heron Power. It correctly states Baglino's tenure at Tesla, his roles, and his contributions, such as designing the powertrain for the Model S and leading battery storage engineering. The article also accurately describes Heron Power's focus on solid-state transformers and the reported Series A funding round led by Capricorn Investment Group. However, specific funding details and technical claims about solid-state transformers' capabilities would benefit from further verification to ensure precision and completeness.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by acknowledging the competitive landscape, mentioning another startup, Amperesand, which is also innovating in the transformer market. However, the focus is predominantly on Heron Power and Drew Baglino, which might give the impression of favoritism towards Baglino's venture. Including more perspectives from industry experts or competitors could enhance the balance by providing a broader context of the market dynamics and innovation challenges.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that makes it easy to follow. It effectively outlines Drew Baglino's career trajectory and the innovation Heron Power aims to bring to the transformer market. The language is straightforward and accessible, though it could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms like 'solid-state transformers' to aid reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites Axios as the primary source of information, which is a reputable news outlet. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from Drew Baglino or representatives from Heron Power, which would add depth and credibility. The absence of a variety of sources or expert opinions limits the assessment of the venture's potential and the technological claims made about solid-state transformers.

Transparency

The article does not provide detailed transparency regarding its sources beyond mentioning Axios. There is no explanation of the methodology used to gather information or any disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about how information was obtained and any affiliations of the journalists involved would enhance the reader's trust in the story's impartiality.