The much-delayed Tesla Semi electric vehicle appears to be getting closer to Elon Musk’s current forecast of shipping by the end of the year. New information on Tesla’s website reveals a production-intent vehicle. However, many questions remain.
Three new video clips and photographs of the second-generation prototype are now available on the Tesla website. This is in response to Musk’s Aug. 10 tweet, “500-mile range Semi Truck starts launching this year.” Musk had anticipated the truck would arrive in late 2023.
The revised webpage makes no mention of production timing. However, the order book, which requires a $20,000 deposit per truck, appears to be closed. A “Get Updates” button has taken the position of the “Order Now” button. Previous prices of $150,000 for the 300-mile truck and $180,000 for the 500-mile truck have also been deleted off the website.
Since its debut in 2017, the Semi has received hundreds of orders from both major and small fleets. Only PepsiCo subsidiary Frito-Lay is in line for early deliveries. It is planned to deliver 15 Semis before the end of 2021. A Tesla Mega Charger has been built at Frito-distribution Lay’s center in Modesto, California.
Tesla Semi Specifications Modified
Tesla made some changes to the prototype. The Semi will have three independent motors on the rear axles rather than four electric motors. The business promises fast torque and unrivaled power at any speed, allowing drivers to merge safely and keep up with traffic.
Tesla predicts 0-60 mph acceleration in 20 seconds for a fully loaded truck weighing 82,000 pounds and capable of maintaining highway speeds up a 5% gradient. Tesla expects that charging with electricity will be 2.5 times less expensive than diesel in California between February and July.
According to Tesla, the expected fuel savings vs a typical diesel-powered truck are $200,000 over three years.
Tesla claims that advanced motor and brake controls improve traction and stability in all situations. A central seating posture, similar to that of construction equipment, improves visibility. An all-electric architecture decreases the risk of rollover and cabin intrusion in a crash.
Tesla showcased the cabin with dual 15-inch screens on either side of the steering wheel in one of the video segments. The Semi now features steering roller balls like the Model 3/Y passenger cars. Buttons for various functions can now be seen. Other differences between the first and second versions include larger windows, redesigned door handles, and side mirrors.
Despite the removal of the original prototype’s traction drive one motor, the Semi retains its 300-mile and 500-mile driving ranges between charges. Each requires only 2 kilowatts (kWh) hours of electricity each mile.
The Semi Changer, also known as the Mega Charger, can charge the batteries to 70% in 30 minutes. Competitors guarantee 80% direct-current charging in 90 minutes.
