Happy Birthday Nikola!

Born in 1856, today is Nikola Tesla's Birthday. If he were alive today he'd be 161 and we like to think he would drive electric and buy his charging hardware from EVolution - that is unless he were to simply invent his own solution.

Incredibly, upon immigrating to the United States with little more than a few dollars and a letter of recommendation in hand, Nikola's first job was with 'Edison Machine Works' before he elected to branch out on his own to pursue his own developments. He was an engineer known for designing the alternating-current (AC) electric system, which is the standard for power distribution well into the 21st century.

Other outstanding creations such as the Tesla coil, X-Ray, remote control, wireless power, and wireless communication are still very much in use today in the modern world. Tesla is also known for designing the first AC hydroelectric power plant which as result successfully harnessed and continues to distribute the natural power of Niagara Falls which helped further AC electricity’s path to becoming the world’s power system.

As we near the 3rd decade of the 21st century the name 'Tesla' is often recognised as the name of prominent motor company 'Tesla Motors' who produce vehicles such as the Model S, 3, X, and the fabled Model Y (not to mention the Semi). Of course all of these vehicles plus those by other manufactures would not be made possible without Mr Tesla's AC induction motor.

Plenty has been written about Nikola Tesla but here's a few facts you may not know about:

1. Tesla became a vegetarian in his later years.

2. He was born during a massive electrical storm.

3. Worked for Thomas Edison and proposed his designs and ideas for an AC power transmission and AC motors which at the time he was made fun of until his invention was realised.

4. He developed a obsession with the number 3 and would often do things in 3's or associate with numbers divisible by 3.

5. He never married or enjoyed the company of women as he believed it would take away from his engineering prowess.

6. The only living relative of the famous scientist is grand-nephew, William H. Terbo (88) who runs 'The Tesla Memorial Society' out of New Jersey, USA.

7. Tesla's image has long been featured on his homeland's currency, presently he's featured on the '100 Serbian-dinar' bank note.

8. The Nikola Tesla Museum (Belgrade, Serbia) is the final resting place and home of his ashes.

Till this day Tesla is still known and remembered as one of the world's best inventors, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, physicists, and futurists.

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla!