The Safest, Most Comfortable Truck Ever

"Semi is the safest, most comfortable truck ever," according to Tesla.com. A lofty statement, but with prototypes of the electric semi tractor/trailer/truck on the ground and pre-orders being taken, the Tesla Semi Truck is gaining serious traction within the freight and hauling industry. With four independent motors, Semi boasts maximum power and acceleration with the lowest energy cost per mile. With the ever increasing cost of petroleum products, such an investment may spell success for freight haulers in longterm cost savings.

Sci-Fi Sleek with a Solid ROI

Sci-fi sleek with a central touchscreen console, drivers will be able to stand up in the cab while driving, allowing for a significant increase in comfort, greater visibility and a lower center of gravity to decrease rollovers. In November of 2017, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the next generation of electric vehicle technology that stands to revolutionize one of the most energy intensive and polluting industries in the world - trucking. In February 2016 there were 15.5 million long-haul commercial trucks on the road, and despite stringent federal and state emissions regulations, low-sulfer diesel and cleaner burning engines, the CO2 output of the trucking industry is undeniably significant. Consider also the cost. According to Pacific Standard, "A new sleeper tractor, averaging around seven miles per gallon, will run you about $130,000. At 120,000 miles per year, you’re looking at $50,000 to $60,000 in fuel per year (at current prices). (In 2015) when diesel was averaging $4/gallon... (that totalled roughly) $75,000 annually. Just two years of fuel consumption could run a fleet owner more than the cost of the truck itself."

Tesla Semi Truck Specs

• 0-60 mph fully loaded with 80,000 pounds in 20 seconds
• 60 mph up a 5% grade
• 300 or 500 mile range options on a single charge
• 4 independent motors on rear axels with instant traction control
• Energy consumption of less than 2 kWh per mile
• Upwards of $200,000 in fuel savings over the life of the truck
• $150,000 expected base price for 300 mile range model, $180,000 for 500 mile
• $20,000 base reservation
• 0.36 drag coefficient
• Enhanced autopilot allows for increased safety for avoiding collisions
• Centralized driver seat for maximum visibility and control
• Low center of gravity allows for rollover protection
• Fewer systems to maintain + 1/2 the fuel cost = 2-year payback period and significantly increased ROI
• Forecasted built-in connectivity that integrates directly with a fleet's management system, allowing for routing and remote monitoring
• Smaller engine allows for more spacious cab than a Class 8 semi
• Armor glass windshield technology for increased safety and protection

 

EV Trucking Catching Fire with Major Freight Hauling Companies

From as a small as a Chicago landscaping company up to Wal-Mart, with 6,000 trucks in its current fleet, many companies are pre-ordering Tesla Semi Trucks. Wal-Mart recently purchased 15 Tesla Semis - 5 for Wal-Mart US and 10 for Wal-Mart Canada, hoping to explore electric technology in the management of its supply chain as well as to adhere to sustainability goals of lowering shipping emissions. Freight shipping giant JB Hunt also recently announced that they have reserved multiple Tesla Semis, along with Anheuser-Busch (40), Sysco (50) and Pepsi (100), who are all considering introducing the new electric technology into their fleets. In December of 2017, the United Parcel Service made the largestTesla Semi Truck single order yet at 125 trucks. With the November 2017 unveiling, production of the Tesla Semi is slated for 2019, even with a lagging Model 3 mass market production schedule. As with previous Tesla models, the first batch of Tesla Semi Truck models will represent a Founder's Series with reservations currently being made at a Founder's fee of $200,000 per truck.

Barriers to Entry

Because of the heavy loads carried by long-haul, big rig trucks plus extended cross-country distances, battery technology continues to pose a challenge to the mainstream adoption of EV technology. Rapid degradability of truck batteries are another concern when pulling heavy loads for long distances annually. But as with other electric vehicle models, the industry continues to keep pace with technological demands, with expanded EV infrastructure spanning the continent and the evolution of battery life that allows for greater and greater distances.

Contact an SCL Consultant Today

In a wide range of industrial sectors, we’re here to protect and optimize the machines that keep our country moving, and we pride ourselves on providing superior logistics and solutions, extensive product and industry knowledge and total performance satisfaction for our customers. No matter where the future of the automotive industry is headed, we will be there to deliver what you need to keep you in motion.  For information on how we can assist you in choosing the optimal products for your vehicle at a competitive price, contact an SCL consultant today.