Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed earlier that the American EV manufacturer was going to unveil its first semi-truck and the launch date for it came up in October. At Vancouver in Canada, he revealed the first teaser image of the utility that vows to “out torque any diesel semi” and it surmounted the anticipation. He also affirmed previously that the much anticipated full-fledged pickup truck will arrive sometime between 18 and 24 months only as the semi carries plenty of potential for market growth.
The launch and test drive were tentatively scheduled on October 26 at the SpaceX facility in Hawthorne, California but due to the production clogs of Model 3 and the brand having to endure its resultant biggest ever quarterly loss of $619 million, it had been postponed to November 17. However, the months of waiting has paid off as Musk shocked the crowd gathered at the event by accompanying the semi with revival of a brand new Roadster.
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It is grafted with flared front fascia and embedded Daytime Running Lights. It also has a large wind deflector that can be removed for reduced air resistance. As Tesla boss Elon Musk says, the new semi-truck is “seriously next level” and the design team has done an “amazing job”. He claimed that it will significantly reduce the cost of cargo transport alongside zero carbon emission. The semi comes with advanced safety features and good handling capability as well.
During the fully loaded capacity, it can go from 0 to 96 kmph in just 20 seconds – much quicker than any conventional diesel-powered semi available in the US market. When the trailer is removed, the 0-96 kmph acceleration time is an astonishing five seconds – faster than several dedicated sports cars. All the magical juice comes from the four independent electric motors driving all the four wheels at the rear.
The promising Semi is the American EV brand’s first attempt at a commercial vehicle but it is touted to be highly reliable as well. The customers are guaranteed that the Semi will not break down in its first million miles. Another significant addition is the availability of the new Megachargers. It helps adding up a range of 400 miles in just half an hour.
The base model has 480 km range and price for it starts at $150,000 (Rs. 97.10 lakh) in the US. With additional range, the 800 km version is expected to start at $180,000 (Rs. 1.16 crore). Contrary to what Musk said at the launch, the Tesla Semi can be reserved for $20,000 (Rs. 12.94 lakh) instead of $5,000 while the range-topping Founders Series will be sold for customers at a price of $200,000 (Rs. 1.29 crore) and requires full money even at the time of reservation.
PepsiCo has pre-ordered 100 units of the Semi and is the largest public reservation known for the big. Tesla is looking to convince the trucking fraternity with an affordable electric Semi featuring reliable range and cargo capacity. There are several other companies ordered the truck as well like JB Hunt Transport Services and Sysco Corp.
The EV maker is currently working on expanding the reach of the Model 3 which is likely going to be the first Tesla model to be launched in India when it decides to enter the space in the near future. The Model 3’s pending deliveries and increasing bookings are the major hurdles Musk needs to tackle currently.
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