I don’t think you’ll be driving the new electric Tesla Semi to the moon and back, but speculation is growing about the payload and savings on diesel fuel it is supposed to deliver.
” . . . a typical “day cab” configuration 18-wheeler with a diesel engine weighs roughly 32,000 pounds with a relatively lightweight box trailer attached and full fuel tanks. That leaves about 48,000 pounds of freight capacity for the truck. That’s important because, although the truck won’t be loaded to capacity every time, it will be expected to be capable of carrying up to about that weight. Most big rigs on the road are capable of hauling 44,000 or more pounds worth of freight, depending on configuration and trailer type.” – www.teslarati.com/how-much-tesla-semi-truck-battery-pack-weigh/
I don’t think you’ll be driving the moon and back anytime soon.
Generally, if the new electric Tesla Semi is anything like the standard electric vehicles there will be no need to replace oil, fan belts, air filters, timing belts, head gaskets, cylinder heads and spark plugs. Also, one of the big savings with electric cars is brakes. The motor itself acts as a brake. Savings are accrued by less maintenance, fewer components, and no fuel costs.
Fred Lambert, Editor in Chief and Main Writer at Electrek says, “Elon Musk is ‘optimistic’ about beating Tesla Semi specs that competitors already don’t believe possible.” He also says, “Tesla estimates a payback period of about 2 years thanks to gas and maintenance savings.”
Supposedly the Tesla Semi has eight charging ports. A half hour of charging provides enough power to motor on down the road about 400 miles. So, in the time it takes to order and consume a chicken fried steak at a roadside diner, the rig can be ready to roll.
Tesla is still running tests and improving most aspects of the vehicle. Tesla’s all-electric Semi was spotted early February 28th on the interstate highway heading toward Tesla’s Nevada factory. The rig was making less noise that an earlier model, but still had the expected whine of the four Model 3 electric motors that power the vehicle. Sounds like it’s ready to roll.
Jeffhqb says
This “story” is totally incoherent. Concluding the Tesla Semi is “ready to roll” because it might be like a standard electric “car” where savings are accrued by not having to replace the cylinder heads and there are no fuel costs is the ultimate absurdity. Who are you??
David Badger says
As a manager of multiple distribution networks that currently utilize conventional “big rigs,” I look forward to the potential savings in maintenance and fuel expense. I would however correct Mr. Doman’s statement that there are “no fuel costs.” Too often the discussion regarding electric vehicles assumes that electricity is free. My monthly PSE bill indicates otherwise. As s side note, a portion of our highway funding comes through payment of fuel taxes. Our legislatures will no doubt look to replace list revenue through alternate means.
Don Doman says
David,
Thank you for reading and for writing. I can’t argue about alternate means, since no one knows what individual legislatures might do sometime in the future . . . or why. I based my content on two factors. One, information from Tesla and their estimates and the rush to put down payments on delivery dates some time off by serious users. And two, my own experience with an electric vehicle. I traded my Dodge Durango for a ZENN (Zero Emissons No Noise) car. True there is no comparison on payloads between those two, but even after only a few weeks I found myself with cash in my pockets with no noticeable change in our electric bill. As always hype and time will tell on actual maintenance, “fuel,” and repairs and replacement.
Thanks, again for reading and writing. I always enjoy comments . . . and take them seriously.
Don
Don Doman says
Jeff,
Thank you for reading and for writing. As you will recall I placed a question mark in the headline about “ready to roll.” There was a logical progression of information. In a similar comment I mentioned:
I based my content on two factors. One, information from Tesla and their estimates and the rush to put down payments on delivery dates some time off by serious users. And two, my own experience with an electric vehicle. I traded my Dodge Durango for a ZENN (Zero Emissons No Noise) car. True there is no comparison on payloads between those two, but even after only a few weeks I found myself with cash in my pockets with no noticeable change in our electric bill. As always hype and time will tell on actual maintenance, “fuel,” and repairs and replacement.
I’ve been an automobile fan almost all of my life. I’ve probably owned more cars than some women own shoes. They weren’t always good choices, but that’s how it goes. And actually, I’ve owned two electric vehicles. They have their place, and I think in the near future, probably sooner than we think, we will have batteries that are more powerful, with reduced weight and more affordable. The Tesla Semi is coming . . . perhaps, not rolling tomorrow, but quite probably before the promised delivery date. When we have more than speculation, we can evaluate the data and everyone can compare notes. Reality is always a deciding factor.
Thanks, again for reading and writing. I loved your comments.
Don
Dick Muri says
Don, hope to see you September 8th for annual electric vehicle show (NDEW Steilacoom). This will be our 5th annual and the largest event of it;’s type in the Pacific Northwest. To attend, sign up at driveelectricweek.org/event.php?eventid=1202
Dick Muri says
Electric Vehicles do pay an annual $150 Road Usage Charge in lieu of gas taxes. The average electric vehicle also pays about $20 per year in utility excise taxes. The math does show significant “fuel” savings. A Nissan Leaf gets about 4 miles per KWH and a KWH on average costs 8 cents. Thus 2 cents per mile. The average fuel costs for the average Internal Combustion vehicle is 12 cents per mile.
Don Doman says
Dick,
Thanks for reading and writing. I wrote his article for the March Transportation Club newsletter. I will sign up and add the show date into my journal. I will also pass along the information on the Transportation Club Facebook page. Thanks, again for commenting.
Don