In recent years, Tesla has become synonymous with innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the automotive industry. With their groundbreaking electric cars and advancements in autonomous driving technology, the company has revolutionized the way we think about transportation. Now, Tesla has set its sights on the trucking industry with the introduction of the Tesla Semi.
The Tesla Semi is an all-electric heavy-duty truck designed to transform long-haul transportation. With its sleek design, impressive range, and powerful acceleration, the Tesla Semi aims to disrupt the traditional trucking market and pave the way for a sustainable future.
One of the most striking features of the Tesla Semi is its acceleration, as showcased in a video shared by @SERobinsonJR on Twitter. In the footage, a Tesla Semi driver can be seen making a right turn and accelerating up a slightly uphill road with a distinct vrooming sound. This display of power highlights the remarkable torque and acceleration capabilities of electric vehicles, even when faced with challenging terrain.
Not only is the Tesla Semi a powerful and efficient truck, but it also offers a range suitable for long-distance transportation. There are two versions of the Tesla Semi available, with maximum ranges of either 300 or 500 miles when fully loaded to its impressive 87,000 lbs capacity. This range, combined with Tesla's extensive Supercharger network, enables the Tesla Semi to tackle lengthy journeys without compromising on performance.
While the pricing details of the Tesla Semi remain unclear, Tesla initially announced in 2017 that the shorter-range version would cost $150,000, while the 500-mile variant would be priced at $180,000. Despite the lack of specific pricing information, several prominent companies, including Anheuser-Busch, Walmart, and UPS, have already placed orders for the vehicle, recognizing its potential to transform their logistics operations and reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, speaking of Walmart, Walmart now directly competes with Tesla Semi in autonomous driving.
Stepping inside the Tesla Semi reveals a sleek interior design centered around driver comfort and safety. The truck features one central seat with two 15-inch screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel. These screens provide essential information such as speed and battery level while also offering a nearly 360-degree view through the assistance of four cameras, effectively eliminating blind spots. The absence of a sleeper cab emphasizes that the Tesla Semi is primarily designed for day trips, further highlighting its focus on efficient and sustainable transportation.
However, the journey to commercialize the Tesla Semi has not been without challenges. Reports have surfaced about some Tesla Semis, branded with the Frito-Lay logo, breaking down on the roads near the facility. Additionally, in March, Tesla recalled 35 Semis from PepsiCo, due to a potential parking brake failure that could cause the truck to roll away. These incidents underscore the need for rigorous testing and ongoing improvements as Tesla continues to refine its electric truck. But PepsiCo seems to be pretty happy about the usage of Tesla semi, as Pepsi recenetly revealed Tesla semi operational numbers.
Despite these setbacks, Tesla remains optimistic about the future of the Semi. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, Elon Musk revealed that around 2,000 Tesla Semis had been reserved. However, he emphasized that Tesla has not actively marketed the Semi, stating that orders have primarily come from companies approaching them opportunistically. Furthermore, Musk has set an ambitious goal of reaching 50,000 Tesla Semis on North American roads by 2024, demonstrating the company's commitment to disrupting the trucking industry.
The Tesla Semi represents a significant step forward in the transition toward sustainable transportation. By harnessing the power of electricity, Tesla has developed a heavy-duty truck that not only delivers exceptional performance but also reduces carbon emissions. With its impressive range, advanced features, and the backing of prominent companies, the Tesla Semi is poised to revolutionize the trucking industry and drive us toward a greener future on the open road.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.
