Elon Musk took to the stage and unveiled the all-new and fully electric Tesla Semi in late 2017. Production on the Semi will commence in 2019, and it is receiving much acclaim. According to Elon Musk, there are 7% of tracks on the roads but they contribute to over 20% of transport relate greenhouse gasses, in California alone. The Semi is the best option for reducing and eliminating the emissions, and it is the ultimate auto alternative today, and even the best truck deals right now cannot compare. What can you expect from the Semi?
All-new Fully Electric Tesla Semi
Various truck manufacturers are shifting their focus to electric and performance hybrid trucks, but few have the star power of the Silicon Valley auto manufacturer, and they will use it to make the world recognize their presence. In electric trucks vs hybrid trucks competition, the electric wins it easily for zero emissions. Here is what you can expect from the fully electric Tesla Semi.
Semi’s Exterior and Interior
The cabin’s exterior is made from carbon fiber, resulting in a smooth aerodynamic cabin, and it is a move to make sure every electron produced by the battery goes into powering the four motors. The driver’s seat is in the middle of the cub, and it is so forward, you can see the ground immediately in front of the truck. Drivers get two 15-inch screens on either side of a three-spoke steering wheel, for navigation, data logging, blind spot monitoring and four-cup holders. The only button in the cabin operates the hazard lights.
Safety Features and Functioning
The Semi has a reinforced battery that keeps it from catching fire or exploding in the event of a crush. You also get a reinforced windshield glass designed not to crack or chip. There are also onboard sensors that monitor and adjust the power to each of the individual wheels and reduce the chances of jackknifing.
It has an Enhanced Autopilot feature that lets the Semi drive itself, at least on the highway and it will keep a safe distance from the neighboring vehicles and stay in its lane. This is possible with the radar systems built into the front end of the vehicle and several cameras.
Performance
Behind the cab, there are four motors, such as those found in Model 3, with two dedicated to each axle and each motor generates 258 HP, and with four of them in the Semi, it means that it has 1,032 ponies. This is nearly twice that you get from a diesel-powered truck or a hybrid truck. However, torque is of more importance than horsepower in trucking, and Elon Musk remains mum on the amount of torque in the Semi.
Elon Musk promised that the Semi would come with chargers that juices up the battery with 400 miles in 30 minutes, but this will require that they build specialized charging ports. While carrying an 80,000-pound weight, the Semi can accelerate to 60 miles an hour in 20 seconds. The Semi will maintain a speed of 60 mph on a 5% gradient, and it has 300 to 500 miles on a single charge.
With the Semi, Tesla has cemented its position as a fully electric automaker, dimming the chances of ever producing hybrid cars. After production, the Semi will have the best truck lease deals for short-range hauling. Read our post on hybrid pickup truck 2018 and hybrid crossovers, and be sure to get the best deals at the dealership.