It’s been a long time coming. The much-awaited Tesla Semi has been in development since late 2017, and after over four years, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says it’s coming this year.
Tesla is reportedly launching the 500-mile (about 800-km) range model first. The company has said that the new battery design will enable the Semi to run for 400 miles or about 650 km after a 30-minute charge to 80-percent capacity. This type of charging will be possible using a proprietary solar-powered “Tesla Megacharger” charging station.
In addition, Musk has stated that the Tesla Semi will come standard with Tesla Autopilot, allowing for semi-autonomous driving on highways. This feature could be a game-changer for truck drivers and logistics companies. It could potentially have a positive impact on driver well-being and subsequently increase efficiency and productivity.
The Tesla Semi is expected to cost around $180,000 USD (about P10 million) for the 500-mile-range version with three electric motors. There’s still no word on when the 300-mile model will be launched, but 2023 is likely a safe bet. Musk also stated that the Tesla Cybertruck, the company’s futuristic pickup truck, will be launched next year.
Tesla has always been a visionary company. It almost single handedly accelerated electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the West and beyond with its passenger cars. The Tesla Roadster, Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y have all done much to bring zero emissions vehicles to the masses. Tesla has virtually forced legacy automakers like Ford and Toyota to fast track their EV plans to stay competitive.
If this is any indication, it’s likely that the Tesla with its Semi will do for heavy-duty trucks what it did for EVs. Now it’s up to companies like Volvo Trucks and Daimler—who each have their own electrified trucks out on roads now—to respond after the Tesla Semi launches.
