In a milestone breakthrough for the EV industry, the first shipment of Tesla semi-trucks have officially been delivered to PepsiCo.
Key Details
- The first shipment of Tesla semi-trucks were delivered this week to PepsiCo.
- In a test drive, the trucks covered a 500-mile range, according to Tesla.
- “It’s not like 500 miles with no load, with special aero, and special everything. It’s fully loaded,” says Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
- The truck was first unveiled five years ago with an expected production in 2019, but was pushed back due to problems with the pandemic.
- “It’s been a long journey, long five years, but this is gonna really revolutionize the roads and I think make the world a better place in a meaningful way,” Musk says.
Why it’s news
After first being unveiled five years ago Tesla has officially delivered its first shipment of semi-trucks.
The first Tesla Semi shipment was delivered to PepsiCo’s Modesto, California, factory this week.
“We delivered the truck, they took it over, and they brought back a load of snacks for everybody here to enjoy tonight,” says Tesla semi program manager Dan Priestley.
When the electric semi was being tested, it completed a range of 500 miles with 4% battery left, according to Tesla. Musk says the semi was fully loaded when it was tested to ensure it could withstand a full load.
Considering the average EV has around a 250-mile range on a full charge, the 500 semi range is good, but the average diesel-powered semi can travel up to 2,000 miles before refueling, according to SchneiderJobs.
The truck will be able to haul up to 82,000 pounds and will come equipped with three electric motors, one to drive and the other two to help with acceleration and pulling the weight of the truck.
Tesla’s 82,000 pound haul is similar to that of a regular truck that typically hauls around 80,000 pounds. The federally allowed limit of semis is 80,000 total pounds, but Tesla says regulations allow for electric trucks to be 2,000 pounds over the limit.
Tesla hasn’t revealed the price range for the semis or when they could possibly be delivered to others.
Skeptics
This the first of the Tesla semis which are still being tested and will get better with time, but is still revolutionary nonetheless.
Some are still skeptical of the electric long haulers and think they need more work before being put on the market.
“Not very impressive—moving a cargo of chips (average weight per pack 52 grams) cannot in any way be said to be definitive proof of concept,” says senior analyst at consultancy Guidehouse Oliver Dixon.
