UNITED STATES: Tesla’s semi-trucks, first shown off as a concept in 2017, were supposed to be made in 2019. However, Tesla put them on hold for several reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a global shortage of parts.
PepsiCo representatives received the first batch of trucks. They had immediately reserved 100 Semis after its announcement in 2017.
Five years after the EV manufacturer first displayed it to the public, the first Tesla Semi trucks were delivered to customers on Thursday at the company’s Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada.
According to Tesla, four independent motors on the rear axles power the Semi. It can go from a standstill to 60 mph in 20 seconds and has a 500-mile range on a single charge.
There have been orders in the low dozens from companies like Walmart and FedEx, and prices may start at $150,000.
Standing on a stage surrounded by four Tesla Semis, two of which were emblazoned with the logos of Frito Lay and Pepsi, Musk emphasized the necessity of reducing carbon emissions generated by global shipping.
However, after giving the cause of combating climate change lip service, he quickly switched to his distinctive style of showmanship.
Musk listed a few features that he claims will make the ‘Semi’ the most desirable and efficient truck on the road.
Musk stated that Tesla would incorporate the truck’s 1,000-volt powertrain architecture into its future product development.
Regenerative braking improves battery efficiency, traction control prevents jack-knifing, and an automatic clutch ensures smooth highway driving in the Semi.
Musk revealed over the weekend that one of Tesla’s battery-powered class 8 semi-trucks had travelled 500 miles with 81,000 pounds of cargo fully loaded.
Musk clarified at the event that the Semi completed the trip without the need to recharge the vehicle’s battery.
Before they can be widely adopted, battery-powered electric vehicles will face significant obstacles, including weight restrictions and the availability of convenient charging stations.
For instance, truck stops are largely unprepared to deal with electric tractor-trailers’ enormous battery capacity and power requirements.
Musk discussed Tesla’s current product lineup at the event, which has often coped with criticism for being stale compared to other automakers, frequently releasing updated versions of previous models.
Musk said that Tesla was different from other car companies while standing in front of a picture of the company’s lineup, which included the upcoming Cybertruck and a mysterious vehicle named “Robotaxi.”
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