The Tesla Semi truck is a battery electric Class 8 semi-truck built by Tesla, Inc. since 2022. The truck is powered by three motors, and is claimed by Tesla to have approximately three times the power of a typical diesel semi truck, a range of 500 miles (800 km), and operate at an energy use of less than 2 kWh/mi (1.2 kW⋅h/km). Specifications of Tesla semi truck are highlighted in this article.
Two concept vehicles were unveiled in November 2017. Production was originally planned to begin as early as 2019, with Tesla projecting manufacture of as many as 100,000 trucks per year by 2022. Production began in October 2022, and initial deliveries were made to PepsiCo on December 1, 2022.
Tesla Semi truck is an heavy-duty all-electric truck program at Tesla led by Jerome Guillen, Tesla’s former Model S Program Director and VP of Vehicle Engineering. Before joining Tesla, Guillen was an executive at Daimler where he successfully led the development of the Cascadia truck program (picture on the right). The vehicle was first announced in CEO Elon Musk’s’ ‘Master Plan Part Deux’.
Front view of Tesla semi truck
Specifications of Tesla semi truck
- Dimensions
- width ~ 2.6m (not incl mirrors)
- height ~4m
- length
- Mass
- GVW = 82,000lbs (~37.2tonnes)
- ICE Tractor unit = 8 to 11 tonnes (average 9.5 tonnes)
- Tesla Semi ~ 12 tonnes (approximately +2500kg increase over an ICE Tractor Unit)
- Performance
- 0 to 60mph = 20s at GVW
- Speed Up a 5% Grade = Highway speed limit
- Cd = 0.36
- CdA ~ 3.74m2
- Energy Consumption = 1.7kWh/mile
- 1.06kWh/km
- Range
- 300mile and 500mile versions
- System Voltage = 1000V
- Motors
- 3 independent motors on rear axles
- two electric motors for acceleration at the rear axle (with automatic disengage)
- one electric motor for highway driving at the second axle (constantly engaged)
- carbon-sleeved rotors (technology first deployed in the Plaid)
- 3 independent motors on rear axles
- Inverters
- Battery
- Total capacity ~ 850kWh
- Pack Volume ~3000litres
- Mass ~4400kg
- Charging [2]
- Peak power 1MW
- 70% range added in 30 minutes
- Charge Port V4
- Liquid Cooled
- up to 35A/mm2
- GVW = 82,000lbs (~37.2tonnes)
Features of Tesla semi truck
Tesla Semi is powered by three carbon-fiber wrapped motors, offering three times the power of typical diesel semi trucks, although it consumes only 1.7 kWh/mi (1.1 kW⋅h/km). One motor operates continuously at optimal efficiency, while the other two motors provide additional power for acceleration and hills.
The driver’s seat is centered in the cab. The ceiling allows an adult to stand up. Touchscreen displays are set on both sides of the steering wheel, with no other instrument panels.
It includes the same camera set as Tesla’s passenger vehicles. Tesla claims that its safety system can prevent jackknifing.
Tesla Semi has a 1,000 volt powertrain and charging system, an increase from Tesla’s standard 400 volt system, but a capability Tesla also intends to extend to the Cybertruck. Charging will be supported at a new generation of Tesla vehicle charging infrastructure called the Tesla Megacharger.
Interior of Tesla semi truck
Other features of Tesla semi truck are;
1. Electric Powertrain:
The Tesla Semi is powered by an all-electric powertrain, eliminating the need for diesel fuel. It is equipped with Tesla’s advanced battery technology, which provides a long range and efficient performance.
2. Range and Charging:
The Tesla Semi has an impressive range of up to 500 miles on a single charge, allowing for long-haul transportation. It also supports fast charging, allowing the vehicle to add approximately 400 miles of range in just 30 minutes.
3. Performance:
The Tesla Semi boasts impressive performance capabilities. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 20 seconds when carrying a full load of 80,000 pounds, making it significantly faster than traditional diesel trucks.
4. Autopilot Features:
Similar to Tesla’s passenger vehicles, the Semi comes with advanced Autopilot features. It includes features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance to enhance safety and driver assistance.
5. Enhanced Safety:
The Tesla Semi is designed with safety as a top priority. It features reinforced battery protection, a reinforced cabin, and advanced collision avoidance systems to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.
6. Aerodynamic Design:
The Semi’s design focuses on aerodynamics to maximize energy efficiency. Its sleek and streamlined body reduces drag, which contributes to improved range and efficiency.
7. Enhanced Driver Experience:
The Semi offers a spacious and ergonomic cabin designed to provide a comfortable and productive environment for the driver. The central driving position provides excellent visibility, and the touchscreen display provides access to various vehicle controls and features.
8. Enhanced Connectivity:
The Tesla Semi is equipped with advanced connectivity features that enable over-the-air software updates. This allows Tesla to continuously improve the vehicle’s performance, add new features, and enhance its capabilities over time.
Price of Tesla semi truck
Tesla delivered the first consignment of Semi electric trucks to Pepsi’s Frito Lay production facility in Modesto, California on the 1st December 2022. The starting price for the Tesla Semi is US$150,000 for a 300-miles vehicle and $180,000 for 500 miles extended-range version.
