Tesla’s New Electric Semi-Truck: 5 Things You May Not Know About It

Electric vehicle automaker Tesla has begun selling the Tesla Semi, its 18-wheeler, according to reports. This comes after multiple delays dating to CEO Elon Musk’s 2017 announcement of the company’s first offering beyond electric passenger vehicles.

According to Business Insider, Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch, Walmart, UPS, and Frito-Lay are among the large corporations that have ordered the electric truck. The company wants to have 50,000 Tesla Semis in North America by 2024, Musk said in a 2022 earnings call.

Here are 5 things to know about the Tesla 18-wheeler

1. The Tesla Semi is equipped with three electric motors

Tesla says its Semi “is a beast” with a total power output three times higher than any diesel truck on the road. The truck can go from 0-60 mph in 20 seconds fully loaded and maintain highway-level speeds even up steep grades, Tesla says. The first rear axle has one electric motor constantly engaged through a single-speed reduction gear, which optimizes it for highway driving, according to Inside EVs. Two more electric motors at the rear axle individually power the left and right wheels. Those two motors are optimized for acceleration and torque.

2. The truck has a range of up to 500 miles on a single charge.

There are two versions of the Tesla Semi, which have maximum ranges of either 300 or 500 miles when fully loaded to the 87,000-pound capacity. Tesla says the truck can be charged up to 70% in 30 minutes. The truck doesn’t come with a sleeper cab because it’s designed for day trips.

3. The Tesla Semi is designed to be more aerodynamic than traditional semi-trucks.

The design reduces drag and increases the truck’s performance and range. Tesla claims that it generates less drag than a Bugatti Veyron supercar, the original version of which is said to have a top speed of 253 mph.

4. The truck features a unique cabin design that provides plenty of space for the driver.

The interior has one central seat with two 15-inch screens to the left and right of the steering wheel. In addition to information about the truck’s speed and battery level, four cameras allow the screens to provide a nearly 360-degree view to help the driver avoid potentially deadly blind spots.

5. The Tesla Semi is equipped with advanced safety features.

In addition to better visibility, the Semi’s all-electric architecture reduces both rollover risk and cabin intrusion in case of an accident, Tesla says. Active safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning work with advanced motor and brake controls to deliver traction and stability in all conditions.

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