On the heels of the Tesla Semi making major waves at the IAA Transport Conference in Germany this week, CEO Elon Musk detailed some ways the all-electric truck is more advantageous over traditional diesel vehicles that have been used for logistics.
Tesla has flexed the low cost of ownership, improved safety, better range, and performance, which are just a few ways the Semi is arguably the best commercial vehicle available.
Although it is still going through its pilot program stages, we have learned more about the Semi than ever before with presentations from the Engineering Head for the Semi program, Dan Priestley.
So far, we have learned:
- The Semi will ramp to 50,000 units of annual production at the new production facility near Gigafactory Nevada
- Tesla plans to develop new configurations of the Semi so they can be used for different applications and be available at different prices
- Efficiency is working at 100 kWh per 100 kilometers traveled
PepsiCo., which has been the Semi’s main contributor during the pilot program, also talked about the various things they have recognized since using around 90 units over the past year and a half.
Many PepsiCo. drivers who have been able to use the Tesla Semi do not believe it is worth going back to a traditional diesel vehicle.
Musk commented on the advantages of the Semi over its diesel counterparts:
Compared to diesel, Tesla Semi trucks have a lot more acceleration, uphill power and computer-controlled safety features like jackknifing protection, so both more fun and safer to drive https://t.co/eBNuj18Kvp
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 18, 2024
The Semi has the potential to be the most disruptive and potentially groundbreaking product, other than the Robotaxi, in Tesla’s entire lineup.
The company has already managed to completely disrupt the passenger vehicle sector, but transforming the commercial industry would be groundbreaking considering the safety, efficiency, and emissions improvements that come from the use of a vehicle without tailpipes over the lifespan of the truck.
Typically, a semi truck lasts around 750,000 miles. Traveling around 45,000 miles per year on average, most lifespans last around 15 years, according to Rechtien International.
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