December 5, 2017
Model X, Model S, Model 3, and now The Semi? You read that right. Tesla started out revolutionizing sedans and SUVs. Now they are setting out to revolutionize commercial vehicles. Here are some details on the new Tesla Semi.
The Semi has already attracted the attention of delivery and logistics companies, even though the truck was officially unveiled only two weeks ago. DHL has placed an order for 10 trucks to test drive in various cities around the US, and Canadian freight company Fortigo Freight Services have placed a down payment for one truck. Other companies that have also announced orders includes fleet operator J.B. Hunt and the retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc. The Semi is scheduled to rollout in 2019, but Tesla is already getting the business of high profile clients. More companies will soon follow suite.
The Semi comes in two different versions: one version has a mile range of 300 miles on a single charge, while the second version has a 500-mile range. The former will cost $150,000 while the latter is set to retail for $180,000. To put into comparison, the average price of a semi-truck usually ranges from $80,000 to $150,000. When making a reservation for a Tesla semi, companies are expected to place a down payment of $20,000 as a way of showing just how committed the are to this product. While Tesla’s prices are a bit out of the typical range, the company promises that customers will actually be saving money in the long run. It is estimated that companies can save over $200,000+ in fuel costs when they buy just one semi-truck. For the amount of money companies will be saving, the price tag is definitely worth it.
On the rear axles of the vehicle, Tesla has placed four independent motors to allow for instant traction control. The Semi can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 20 seconds, and that is with a load weighing 80,000 pounds. Energy consumption on the vehicle is also something to take note of. The Semi uses less than 2kWh/mile. Incredible performance along with sensible energy usage, what is not to love about this truck?
For the exterior, Tesla took the usual semi-truck design and managed to make it cool. The truck has a stainless-steel truck tractor that has been slanted backwards to give it a more futuristic look. The semitrailer for the most part looks the same, but instead of the usual white color, Tesla gave the semitrailer a stainless steel coating. It is this stainless-steel coating that gives this truck a cool, crisp look.
Tesla also promises that the Semi will be the safest truck on the market. The truck comes with an enhanced autopilot that can come in handy when avoiding collisions. The centered driver position gives the driver maximum visibility and control that will allow them to be better aware of their surrounding from all angles. The truck also comes with a low center of gravity that helps prevent the vehicle from rolling over.
Tesla started out with a rather simple goal: change the way people drive and save the world at the same time. The company was founded in 2003 but in those 14 years, they have made great strides in not only making electric cars look cool, but by also challenging established car brands to come out with their own electric fleet. Now Tesla is moving onto commercial vehicles and are already booking pre-orders for the semi. We look forward to seeing where they go next.