Tesla’s long-awaited Semi has been spotted running under its own electric power on public roads. The heavy-hauler is seen driving at a quick pace near a UPS hub in California. Yet despite the speed, the truck makes almost no noise. Only a quiet electric hum and tire noise can be heard. That’s far more impressive than the clattery turbodiesels found in conventional semi trucks. Imagine how quiet streets could be without the rumble of a big-rig.
What’s more, the driver can clearly be seen sitting front and center – a design Tesla says enhances the driver’s ability to pilot the truck. Naturally, the Tesla Semi will have autonomous driving capabilities that will only get more advanced with time. Features like a convoy mode will allow groups of Tesla Semis to drive end-to-end for better efficiency and improved safety. Just imagine big-rigs no longer lumbering in the fast lane!
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The Tesla Semi is still slated for an on-sale date in 2019 with orders starting around $150,000. For that price, the Semi will have a 300-mile range. For $180,000 the Semi comes with larger batteries capable of a 500-mile journey – all while hauling 80,000 pounds on a 53-foot trailer. Pre-orders for the Tesla Semi have been rolling in, too, with companies like UPS, DHL, Wal-Mart, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, and Ryder, (and many more) filling Tesla’s books past 400 units.
Operating costs and performance are two big selling points. For one, the truck won’t require expensive diesel fuel and oil changes. Even the brakes will last longer since its electric motors will be stopping the truck via regenerating braking. The big Tesla is said to hit 60 mph in just five seconds when unloaded and 20 seconds when carrying 80,000 pounds.
Recharging will happen much like Tesla’s Model S, Model X, and Model 3. The Semi will pull into specially dedicated Supercharger stations called Megachargers. Elon Musk is promising a 400-mile range recharge is possible in as little as 30 minutes.
Of course, only time will tell if Tesla delivers the Semi on time and within budget. Tesla has a knack for delays and straining its pool of giddy investors. Still, with companies paying a reported $20,000 deposit for each pre-order, Tesla should have some cash flow for meeting production deadlines. It’s extremely promising to see a pre-production tester freely driving down public roads. That should be a huge morale booster for investors and order-holders as it seems Tesla might actually be on schedule.
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Tesla Semi
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