The New Tesla Semi Might Be the Biggest Trucking Development in Decades
Whether the cars of the future will be electric or gas-powered used to be up for debate. Not anymore. California is moving to have all new vehicles sold in California be electric or plug-in hybrids by 2035. Not everyone is happy about it since electric vehicles remain less affordable than gas models, but the perks of driving electric are undeniable. Elon Musk recently announced that a new Tesla Semi is in production, and the good news couldn’t have come sooner.
A quick look at the Tesla Semi’s specs
Originally intended for release in 2019, the Tesla Semi is finally coming out in December 2022. Pepsi is scheduled to have its first Tesla Semi on the road by December 1, and even with the three-year delay, the development is revolutionary. An electric semi is something no company has ever produced, placing Tesla (unsurprisingly) miles ahead of the competition.
Interestingly, it’s one of Tesla’s most cost-effective vehicles yet. It’s also powerful enough to have real applications in the trucking industry. Reportedly, the new vehicle has the following features:
- The ability to haul the largest possible semi-truck payload of 80,000 lbs
- Enough juice to accelerate 0-60 mph with a full payload in 20 seconds
- Full highway speeds up a 5% gradient with a full load
- A battery 8.5 times larger than that of the Model S
- A range of 500 miles with a full payload
- Recharging abilities to 70% in 30 minutes
