Tesla’s New Semi Truck is Here, and it Has a Tremendous 500-Mile Range

Good news! The electric semi truck Elon Musk, the co-founder of Tesla, teased several months ago has finally been unveiled — and it’s more impressive than many of us anticipated. Not only does the eco-friendly vehicle have a 500-mile range, it can reach 60 mph in five seconds without a trailer. For the first time ever, transporting cargo back and forth across continents won’t burden the environment like conventional transportation does.

Tesla estimates that with an 80,000 pounds load, the electric truck can reach 60 mph in 20 seconds. That’s still 40 seconds faster than a diesel truck. According to Inhabitat, no clutching or shifting is needed for smooth acceleration and deceleration. And, thanks to its regenerative breaking, 98 percent of kinetic energy is recycled to the battery. This gives it a near infinite brake life.

Credit: Tesla

A surprising benefit of the Tesla Semi design is that it is actually safer than traditional semi trucks. Elon Musk says that jackknifing is impossible as a result of independent motors that can adjust torque as needed. This also reduces the risk of rolling. Even if two of the motors fails for some reason, the vehicle will still keep working.

Tesla is so confident in its product, it has guaranteed the motors for a million miles (imagine!). The company also boasts that the electric semi’s brake pads never need replacing. Because there is no transmission in the truck, one will never need to be replaced — saving truck drivers a bundle. If you ask Musk what his favorite feature is, he’ll tell you it’s the thermonuclear explosion-proof glass.

Credit: Tesla

To ensure drivers of the Tesla Semi trucks can recharge the vehicles, Tesla has plans to install Megachargers in various locations. The Megachargers will add about 400 miles in 30 minutes.

The Tesla semi’s cabin was designed for the driver. The driving position is front-and-center to ensure improved visibility on all sides. Additionally, the cabin is tall enough for full standing. Two touchscreen displays are positioned symmetrically on both sides of the steering wheel, which improves access to navigation, blind spot monitoring, and electronic data logging. Using the Enhanced Autopilot feature (not the same as self-driving), the truck can fall in line with a convoy and follow one or several semi trucks. This makes it easier for drivers to travel longer distances.

Credit: Tesla

By electrifying the semi truck, Tesla is making great strides in helping the planet “go green.” 18-wheelers are notorious for spewing large amounts of CO2 into the air, which exacerbates the greenhouse gas effect and contributes to climate change. Hopefully, truck drivers will begin investing in the Tesla Semi-truck — or variations, such as those produced by Bosch, Cummins, and Daimler — for their own livelihood and the well-being of the planet.

Credit: Tesla

You can reserve a Tesla Semi Truck — which is expected to hit the market in 2019 — with a $5,000 deposit. Learn more. 

Credit: Tesla

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h/t Inhabitat, The Verge