BATTERY POWERED CLASS 8 SEMI-TRUCK FROM TESLA

Tesla have developed an all electric battery powered Class 8 Semi-Truck which should pre orders of the Semi from customers. Anheuser

be available on general sale from 2021.

Since it’s unveiling at a press conference in 2017, the Semi has been undergoing rigorous trials including hauling cargo from Nevada to California. Fully charged and loaded, this truck will have a passenger but no sleeping area. There were touch

500mile (805km) range, acceleration from 0-60mph in 20 seconds (5 seconds unloaded) and would maintain that 60mph on a 5% incline.

Tesla plans to have a network of solar powered “Tesla Megacharger” charging stations where recharging the batteries to 80% would take 30 minutes. Tesla maintain that they would be able to offer a one million mile warranty (1.6 million km) semi-autonomous capability. Using more radar

with the electric powered truck as maintenance is much simpler than a diesel powered truck.

Analysts predict that the Semi would be better suited for short and mid range transportation. To keep within the legal weight limits the payload is less than a normal Semi due to the weight of the batteries. Current battery technology predicts that the batteries would weigh around 11800kg which is increase the capital cost of the truck.

Tesla have already taken deposits on over 2,000 Busch, DHL, FedEx, PepsiCo and Walmart are some of the companies who will be using the new Semi’s when they come to market.

In the prototype that was shown in November, the driver’s seat was located in the centre of the cab. There was a removable jump seat for an extra screen displays on either side of the steering wheel, and no other instrument panels. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that the windshield would be explosionproof.

Tesla said that the Semi would be equipped with enhanced autopilot as standard equipment, offering about one third of the payload and this would

devices and cameras than Tesla cars, the system would enable the truck to stay in its own lane and at a safe distance from other vehicles on the highway. It would also have emergency braking, and would warn the driver of any potential hazards near the vehicle.

Enhanced Autopilot helps avoid collisions, a centred driver position provides maximum visibility and control, and a low centre of gravity offers rollover protection. Every driver is responsible for remaining alert and active when using Autopilot, and must be prepared to take action at any time.

Tesla also said that new technology with Active safety controls would detect and prevent the risk of jack-knifing. Musk said that the system would eventually allow several units to operate in an autopilot-based convoy which would be led by a lead truck with a driver and this would be a cheaper alternative than rail transport. Platooning is legal in only eight states and requires a human driver in each truck, so changes in legislation would be necessary to achieve Musk’s vision.

In mid-January this year, Tesla announced to its reservation holders a winter testing program to validate the Semi in cold weather and low-traction conditions.

cost £140,000 in the UK. A lower-spec variant with a 300-mile range will be priced from £110,000. Electric energy costs are half those of diesel. With fewer systems to maintain, the Tesla Semi provides £160,000+ in fuel savings and a two-year payback period. Tesla claims that the Semi is the safest, most comfortable truck ever. Four independent motors

provide maximum power and acceleration and require the lowest energy cost per mile - 2kWh per mile. The Semi with the 500-mile range is expected to

Many other manufacturers have begun developing class 8 electric trucks including BYD Company, Daimler AG, Kenworth, Nikola Motor, Peterbuilt, Toyota, Volvo and Xos. Other companies such as Cummings, DAF, Enride, Uber and Volkswagen are also looking to use electric technology in other types and sizes of trucks. www.tesla.com