The transition to electric vehicles is rapidly advancing, and the electric semi truck market is no exception. Tesla’s entry into this space, with its Tesla Semi, is likely to encourage more widespread adoption of electric trucks, challenging traditional diesel-powered trucks that dominate the industry. Tesla has priced its Semi starting at $150,000, which is already a lower operating cost per mile than diesel trucks. The key to the success of the Tesla Semi lies in its lower long-term costs and reduced emissions, a major selling point for companies like Pepsico, which reserved 100 Tesla Semis in 2017 to reduce fuel costs and fleet emissions.
The push for electric semi trucks is not only a response to environmental concerns but also to the need for greater efficiency in the transportation sector. Pepsico’s CEO, Ramon Laguarta, revealed last year that transportation accounted for 10% of the company’s gas emissions. By adopting electric trucks, Pepsico aims to reduce its carbon footprint and lower the fuel expenses for transporting snacks like Mountain Dew and Doritos between manufacturing, distribution centers, and retailers.
One of the main challenges for electric trucks, however, is ramping up production, particularly the batteries required to power these vehicles. The Tesla Semi, for example, requires multiple large batteries to operate. Although Tesla has not disclosed the exact size of the batteries, estimates suggest that the Semi will have a battery between 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the standard version and up to 1,000 kWh (1 megawatt-hour) for the long-range model. In comparison, Tesla’s 2022 Model S has a 100 kWh battery, which means the Tesla Semi’s battery will be six to ten times larger, allowing for longer driving ranges and faster charging times.
The Tesla Semi promises a range of 480 to 580 kilometers, depending on the model, with an efficiency of fewer than 1.24 kWh per kilometer. This impressive efficiency is only one of the many features that set the Tesla Semi apart from traditional diesel trucks. Like all Tesla vehicles, the Semi comes equipped with advanced safety features such as enhanced autopilot, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and forward collision warnings. Additionally, the vehicle’s low center of gravity, due to the placement of the battery pack at the bottom of the vehicle, reduces the risk of rollovers and jackknifing, making the Semi safer in case of a collision.td
Elon Musk has emphasized that the Semi is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. The driver’s seat is centrally located in the vehicle, allowing for better visibility and easier handling in the event of a collision. The Tesla Semi requires minimal shifting—unlike conventional trucks with multiple gears—and is described as “just big” compared to other Teslas, making the driving experience much more manageable. The truck’s Independent Motors provide enhanced control and efficiency, ensuring the vehicle performs well even if one or more motors fail.td
In terms of durability, Musk has made bold promises regarding the Semi’s lifespan. He believes that the truck will never break down for up to a million miles, thanks to its Independent Drive trains. Even if one motor fails, the others can take over, ensuring that the truck continues to operate effectively. Moreover, the Tesla Semi’s regenerative braking system will further reduce wear and tear on the brakes, as the truck will use braking energy to recharge the battery, meaning brake pads will last indefinitely.
With the growing interest in electric semi trucks, Tesla’s Semi is positioned to transform the trucking industry. The combination of lower operating costs, reduced emissions, and cutting-edge technology makes the Tesla Semi a viable and attractive option for companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve operational efficiency. While production challenges remain, Tesla’s vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future of transportation is rapidly taking shape.
