our team
Start with people. Architect from 1st principles.
Make things. Here.
David Lai. Chief Engineer
David is a leader in battery engineering with over 13 years of experience in the electric vehicle and energy storage industries. Known for his contributions to groundbreaking EV technologies, advanced battery systems, and technical leadership, David holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
David began his career at Tesla, where he spent nearly six years working on the development of battery systems for Tesla vehicles and contributing to the Supercharger network. His time there was defined by collaborative innovation and mission-driven work, which laid the foundation for Tesla’s and his future success.
After Tesla, David joined Proterra, where he played a key role in developing industry-leading battery systems and building-out three battery manufacturing facilities, including Proterra’s 2.5 GWh factory in South Carolina. His expertise includes cell technology, system architecture, thermal management, and battery management software. Throughout his career, David has excelled at building and leading technical teams, always approaching challenges with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset.
Outside of work, David enjoys traveling, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. He also dedicates time to personal projects involving cars, electronics, and AI.
Connect with David on LinkedIn