Tesla's EV big rig leaves diesel rival in the dust
Tesla is changing rules of the road
Tesla's Semi truck can travel up to about 500 miles on a single charge.
When you think of a tractor-trailer, you might picture a huge rig chugging down the highway with a cloud of diesel exhaust trailing behind.
But Tesla's Semi is changing that story and rewriting the rules of the road.
It's an electric truck that is revolutionizing the trucking industry and leaving its diesel rivals in the dust.
Tesla Semi on the road (Tesla)
The Tesla Semi by the numbers
The Tesla Semi is not your ordinary big rig. It is a beast that can outperform any diesel truck on the road. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 20 seconds, fully loaded, and maintain highway-level speeds even up steep grades.
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It can also travel up to approximately 500 miles on a single charge and recover up to 70% of range in 30 minutes using Tesla’s Semi Chargers. It runs on three independent motors on rear axles.
Tesla Semi being charged (Tesla)
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Emissions and clean air
Now, let’s talk emissions. While diesel trucks consume more fuel, emit more pollutants and require more maintenance, the Tesla Semi has a smaller carbon footprint. It uses less than 2 kWh per mile and emits zero tailpipe emissions.
Also, picture this real life contrast. A diesel truck struggles up steep inclines like the Donner Pass in California, while the Tesla Semi climbs it effortlessly, leaving nothing but clean air in its wake.
Tesla Semi overtaking diesel truck on steep incline (@HinrichsZane)
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How the Tesla Semi offers safety, comfort and savings
Safety, comfort and savings — these are the Tesla Semi’s calling cards. With advanced safety features, including precise motor and brake controls, drivers experience unparalleled stability in all conditions. While an all-electric architecture reduces both rollover risk and cabin intrusion in case of an accident.
Tesla Semi being charged (Tesla)
Also, a central seating position on the Tesla Semi gives the driver better visibility. Touchscreen displays are set on both sides of the steering wheel, with no other instrument panels. The tall ceiling allows the driver to completely stand up inside the cab.
Inside the cab of Tesla Semi (Tesla)
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The benefits of switching to electric vehicles for trucking
The real game-changer? The cost. Charging with electricity is 2.5 times cheaper per mile than refueling with diesel. Operators stand to save a staggering $200,000 within their first three years of ownership. And with remote diagnostics and over-the-air software updates, downtime at service centers becomes a thing of the past.
Tesla Semi parked at loading dock (Tesla)
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Can the Tesla Semi help the environment?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tractor-trailer trucks account for about 18% of U.S. vehicle emissions. By switching to electric trucks, the trucking industry can significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change. As more electric vehicles hit the road, the demand for fossil fuels will decrease and the transition to a clean-energy future will accelerate.
Man driving Tesla Semi (Tesla)
Kurt's key takeaways
The Tesla Semi-Truck is definitely rewriting the script for trucking. It conquers hills like they're nothing, leaving diesel trucks wheezing in its wake. But it’s more than speed — it’s efficiency. The Tesla Semi covers hundreds of miles on a single charge. And when it’s time to recharge, it’s a pit stop, not a marathon. No more grumbling at gas stations; just plug in and power up.
What are some of the challenges or barriers that you think Tesla might face in convincing companies and drivers to change from diesel trucks to Tesla's Semi-Trucks? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
