Former Tesla exec Drew Baglino launches heat pump startup
Original: Former Tesla exec and Heron Power CEO Drew Baglino has founded a heat pump startup
Why This Matters
Tesla veteran's heat pump expertise could advance residential energy efficiency
Drew Baglino, former Tesla senior VP who left in April 2024, has founded Sadi Thermal Machines, a heat pump startup formed in June 2025. The company shares headquarters with his other startup Heron Power in Scotts Valley, California.
Baglino spent nearly two decades at Tesla developing energy technologies including motors, batteries, and power electronics. He worked on Tesla's heat pump systems and is cited as inventor on patents for thermal management systems used in Tesla's 'octovalve' technology. Sadi Thermal Machines employs several Tesla alumni according to sources. The company name references Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot, whose work founded modern thermodynamics. Tesla previously considered developing residential heat pumps, with Baglino and Elon Musk discussing HVAC and water heating systems during 2022 earnings calls.