An all-electric class eight commercial truck that Tesla initially presented in 2017 has finally completed its first 500-mile trip with a full load. Slated to be in production in 2019, with 10,000 trucks made by 2022, the Tesla Semi production has been slow at best. Finally manufactured in October of 2022, deliveries are scheduled for early December. Tesla boasts their revolutionary semi can travel between 300 and 500 miles carrying 80,000 pounds.
Currently being assembled in Reno, Nevada, Tesla plans on creating up to 50,000 units per year starting in 2024, which equates to more than 100 vehicles per day. With that much output, it would make Tesla one of the largest class eight manufacturers throughout North America.
The Tesla Semi comes standard with Tesla Autopilot, making driving almost effortless on freeways. Several other companies (Volvo, Freightliner, and Nikola) have attempted to beat Tesla to market with other class eight semis, but they came up short in mileage range.
On November 27, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said, “Tesla team just completed a 500-mile drive with a Tesla Semi weighing in at 81,000 lbs.!”
Commercial long-haul semi-truckers are required to stop and take a break after eight hours of driving, so the 500-mile capacity is ideal between charges. With such a heavy capacity and a reduced cost of operation per mile compared to diesel trucks, Tesla Semi is anticipated to impact the trucking industry.
The jury is still out in terms of independent tests, but according to Tesla, the energy consumption of their semi is lower than 2 kWh/mile, making their battery consumption lower than 1,000 kWh at 500 miles.
Pricing varies, but when initially unveiled in 2017, the base price with a 300-mile range was $150,000. For a 500-mile range, $180,000, with a base reservation price of $20,000. For a Founders Series Tesla Semi, it would set back the purchaser $200,000, with the reservation being the same price.
When fully loaded, the Tesla Semi acceleration is expected to be 0 – 60 mph in 20 seconds and have an estimated battery charge of up to 70 percent range in 30 minutes.
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Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/