Tesla Semi Debuts With 500 Miles of Range, 80,000 Lb Towing Capacity

The Tesla Semi is powered by four Model 3 motors (one for each wheel) and should be able to travel 500 miles on a single charge at its maximum weight capacity. Exact battery size and power output figures were not revealed. The truck is classified as by the Federal Highway Administration’ as a Class 8 heavy duty truck, which at 33,001+ lbs is the highest weight rating. The “fifth wheel,” where the trailer attaches to the truck is the largest size and will be able to tow any size of trailer. It’s max towing capacity is 80,000 lbs.

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Without a trailer attached, the truck will hit 60 mph in just 5 seconds. It will also be able to squeeze out 400 miles of range after just 30 minutes of charging, which just so happens to be the same amount of time truckers are required to take a break in an eight-hour shift. This will be enabled by a new network of solar-fed Tesla charging stations it’s calling ‘Megachargers’, which will be DC fast-charging stations it will install “worldwide.”

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The cab of the Tesla Semi features a central driving position, which is flanked by two digital screens from the Model 3 which relay relevant information to the driver. The cab shown last night was a day cab, meaning it doesn’t feature sleeping accommodations for the driver, but Tesla says a sleeper cab could be on the horizon. The truck also aims to be one of the safest on the road with a variety of safety systems such as a stability control system that prevents jacknifing, surround-view cameras to reduce blind spots, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. It will also feature Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot semi-autonomous system.

Tesla claims its semi will also be mighty reliable. Because EV powertrains feature less moving parts, the semi will break down less and be cheaper to maintain than diesel trucks. Musk claims a powertrain life of 1 million miles, and also says the brake life will be basically infinite thanks to regenerative battery system handling most of the braking duties. Tesla also claims operators would save around $200,000 or more per year in fuel costs alone over the course of millions of miles.

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