Tesla’s electric truck is simply called the Tesla Semi. It was designed to help bring about a sustainable energy transition in the world by moving transport to electric.
Although there has been a lot of skepticism about the ability to bring heavy Class 8 diesel trucks into the 21st century, Elon Musk was sure it was possible. Possible to build an all electric semi truck that is capable of traveling 500 miles on a full load.
The skeptics have been proven wrong as the Tesla Semi is now available.
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Specifications
The Tesla Semi will have the following specifications:
- Range: 500 miles
- 0-60 mph: 20 seconds
- Energy consumption: less 2kWh per mile
- Drive train: 3 independent motors (rear axles)
- Fast Charging: Up to 70% of range in 30 minutes with Tesla Megacharger
* These semi specs are relevant to a fully loaded semi that has 82k lbs Gross Combination Weight.
Design, Interior & Features
The Tesla Semi has been designed from first principles, just all of Tesla’s other products. This means totally rethinking how the vehicle is designed, looks and functions. Their goal is to always make it as efficient as possible, as cheap to produce as possible and to be as useful and stylish as possible.
Have they succeeded?
The overall Semi design is minimalistic as with all other Tesla vehicles. The body has a drag coefficient of around 0.36 which is actually in-line with many sports cars. So, it will be extremely efficient with its battery use, and in vast comparison to most other diesel trucks that are very inefficient.
The interior has been totally reimagined. Minimalistic like a Tesla Model S or Model Y, but still very different. First, there is a central seating position which gives the driver a significantly better view of the road and traffic. The driver also sits further forward seeing more of the road. There are two cameras in the cabin giving excellent views of either side of the electric semi truck too.
The cabin is also far safer than standard diesel trucks with less rollover chance and less possibility of cabin intrusion.
Tesla Semi Charging with Megachargers
Owners of the Tesla Semi obviously cannot wait forever to charge their electric semi trucks to a reasonable range. So, Tesla needed to come up with a technology for faster charging for bigger batteries.
Their solution was the Tesla Megacharger. Capable of fast charging their trucks to 70% of range within 30 minutes. There have already been megachargers being tested at Giga Nevada for over a year now, but with the new release of the Semi, we will see if the dream lives up to reality.
Production & Release Date
Although the Tesla Semi was first unveiled way back in November of 2017, it is now finally time for Tesla to start deliveries.
Tesla semi began production in late 2022. The first deliveries are for Pepsi which plans to use it in their Frito-Lay plant in Modesto California. There will be a new Tesla Event for the first Tesla Semi delivery to them on December 1st, 2022 at Giga Nevada.
Elon Musk has already been teasing the amazing specifications of the Semi with a fully loaded 500-mile drive leading up to the event this week.
Tesla Semi Production Capacity
Of course, the initial production of the Tesla Semi will start small. Tesla aims to only produce 100 Tesla Semis in 2022.
But as production ramps, things will eventually head towards Tesla’s stated goal of 50k Tesla Semis per year by the end of 2024.
How far can a Tesla Semi go fully loaded?
A fully charged Tesla Semi can drive a total of 500 miles fully loaded. This is at an 82k lbs Gross Combination Weight.
Are Tesla Semi trucks available?
The Tesla Semi truck has been available on preorder since late 2017, however, the first deliveries will start on December 1st, 2022. Tesla aims to ramp up production as quickly as possible to provide more deliveries of the Semi in 2023.
