Without a trailer, the Tesla Semi achieves 0-60 mph in five seconds, compared to 15 seconds in a comparable diesel truck. It does 0-60 mph in 20 seconds with a full 80,000-pound load, a task that takes a diesel truck about a minute. Most notably for truck drivers and other travelers on the road, the Tesla Semi climbs 5% grades at a steady 65 mph, whereas a diesel truck maxes out at 45 mph on a 5% grade.
As Teslarati reports:
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated during the company’s first-quarter 2018 earnings call that the production version of the Tesla Semi would have almost 600 miles of range.
Musk’s statement came as a response to an inquiry from retail investor and YouTuber Galileo Russell, who asked if the Tesla Semi would feature a breakthrough in battery technology. Russell further referenced the reservations of critics such as Daimler’s head of trucks about the Semi’s estimated range and performance.
The Tesla Semi requires no shifting or clutching for smooth acceleration and deceleration, and its regenerative braking recovers 98% of kinetic energy to the battery!
Overall, the Tesla Semi is more responsive, covers more miles than a diesel truck in the same amount of time, and more safely integrates with passenger car traffic.
Driver Experience
Unlike other trucks, the Semi’s cabin is designed specifically around the driver, featuring built-in connectivity integrates directly with a fleet’s management system to support routing and scheduling, and remote monitoring.
The biggest immediate cost-advantage comes from savings in energy costs: fully loaded, the Tesla Semi goes 500 miles of range at GVW and highway speed, accommodating a wide range of shipping applications given that nearly 80% of freight in the U.S. is moved less than 250 miles. Coupled with the low and stable nature of electricity prices – owners can expect to gain $200,000 or more in savings over a million miles based on fuel costs alone.
Tesla takes $5,000 deposits and expects the first Semis to come 2019.
Best part is many large companies are placing deposits for the Semi. This can only mean great things for reducing pollution and reducing our reliance on imported oils.
Source: Tesla Motors
