Tesla Semi Truck Delivers On Its Promise Of 800km Range With 37 Tonnes Of Freight!

• Tesla Semi has achieved a driving range of 500 miles (800km) with 37 tonnes of freight. 

• Estimated 1,000kWh battery pack in the long-range version. 

• Powered by a tri-motor drivetrain with 0-97kmph in 20 seconds. 

• Can recover up to 70 per cent range in 30 mins of ultra-fast charging.  

• First Tesla Semi has been delivered to Pepsi Co. in the US. 

In a new leap for electrification, Tesla’s Semi truck, the world’s first all-electric freight truck, has achieved its claimed range in real-world conditions. The truck has completed 500 miles (800km) on a single charge with a 37 tonne freight behind it. The production of these trucks is already underway, with the first unit delivered to Pepsi Co. in the USA. 

Tesla Semi is the future of trucks 

The Tesla Semi is truly the ‘Tesla’ of trucks, with a sleek, aerodynamic bodywork and ground-hugging stance. Tesla hasn’t revealed its exact motor and battery specs, but we know that the Semi gets a tri-motor drivetrain with dual motors at the mid-rear axle and a single motor at the last rear axle. The dual motors spring into action while accelerating, helping the Semi reach 0-97kmph in 20 seconds – respectable for a heavy, fully loaded freight truck. 

A massive battery pack, which reportedly is around 1,000kWh, lies under the floor of the Tesla Semi, offering an incredible 800km of estimated range even with a full load. Moreover, the Semi has a 1,000-volt electric architecture and can replenish 70 per cent of range in just 30 minutes of charging using special ultra-fast chargers. 

The cab of the Tesla Semi is different from conventional long-distance trucks. It has a centre-mounted driver’s seat with two large displays floating over the dashboard. The multi-function steering wheel is similar to Tesla cars and can be used to control multiple features in the truck.

• Tesla Begins Semi Truck Production With Pepsi Co. Getting The First Delivery

• Tesla Makes Its EV Charging Port Open To Other EV Makers

Tesla engineers tested Semi in a variety of harsh conditions to maximize reliability & durability pic.twitter.com/qjctWZSWvQ

— Tesla (@Tesla) December 2, 2022

The Tesla Semi is an important step for the electrification of commercial transportation, but it’s unlikely to be offered in India where smaller cab-over engine (flat-front) freight carriers are favoured over US-style semi trucks. Nevertheless, it presents a case for efficient zero-emissions transportation that could replace conventional diesel trucks in some applications, provided carriers have an estimated Rs 1.5 crore to afford one.