All about Tesla's electric truck



09/21/2017 12:36 PM


Elon Musk told that Tesla will introduce the first cargo electric vehicle on October 26. Tesla Semi is "a beast", Musk wrote on his Tweeter. Let’s take a look at everything that is known about the upcoming novelty.



Tesla asked manufacturers of large trucks to help with developing the truck’s design.

"We will present a working prototype of the truck at the end of September. At that, we have already shown it to interested buyers, and they literally fell in love with it. They immediately wanted to know how many cars they could buy and how soon," Musk said during an annual meeting of Tesla shareholders in July. Experienced cargo companies took part in the design, as Tesla wanted to be sure that everything is be done correctly.

Some partners of Tesla can take part in the presentation.

Given their considerable assistance in the electric truck’s development, Tesla may invite some of them to the event and disclose names of the partners. According to Morgan Stanley’s analysts, there will be not only automakers, but also carriers - Schneider National, XPO, as well as FedEx.

Full-scale production will be commenced in 2019.

Musk noted that conveyors for Tesla trucks are likely to start to work at full capacity within 18-24 months.

It is expected that delivery of the electric truck will begin in 2020.

According to Morgan Stanley analysts, Tesla truck will go on sale in about three years.

One charge will be enough to cover up to 480 km.

According to Reuters, the range will number 320-480 km with an average load. For comparison: conventional diesel trucks pass 1600 km on one tank.

To maximize convenience of drivers, Tesla can either implement ultra-fast recharging, or suggest replacing a discharged battery with a new one at special stations.

To compete with traditional diesel trucks, Tesla will have to come up with effective solutions for charging batteries. At the same time, analysts doubt that the company will offer customers a super battery for 1000 kWh, which could increase the power reserve to 1000-1100 km, due to too high a price. "We believe that Tesla will use batteries with a smaller capacity (about 250-300 kWh) and solve the problem with the range either by an optional battery replacement, or by using the super-fast charging function," the experts said.

Tesla Semi is expected to have an autopilot.

In the novelty, Tesla will introduce the function of unmanned driving, which will allow drivers to rest during the trip on the highway.

Tests of the electric truck may have already begun.

According to Morgan Stanley, Tesla has been testing the prototype on public roads for already several months. Reuters confirmed these reports, saying that in June the company and the Nevada Ministry of Transport discussed the possibility of testing two trucks on state roads. 

Tesla Semi will cost around $ 100,000.

According to Morgan Stanley, the first installment with pre-order could number $ 5000.

source: businessinsider.com


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