When Tesla introduced his semi-electric truck last week, everybody in agreement that it looked cool, but some actual truckers did not necessarily be in their operation. Most observers are impressed with the pricing if it holds, though. Tesla has listed the semi-electric truck estimated cost on its Semi website for the 300- and 500-mile versions will be $150,000 and $180,000 respectively, while the company is also listing a fancier Founders Series, with the highest specs, will price $200,000.
Looking at the $180,000 model, it’s still around $60,000 more than a diesel-powered semi truck. However, the Semi could cost around 20 % less to run, Tesla estimates, putting savings over 1,000,000 miles at around $250,000.
The Tesla Semi can improve the trucker expertise with an enhanced Autopilot (automatic emergency braking, automatic lane keeping, and lane departure warning) that will improve safety for drivers and other vehicles. This is features has to reduce blind spots for jackknife protection, sensors, and cameras. For a truck it will also have crazy acceleration, that could be useful for hill-climbing and other chores.
That said, some trucker wondered if the Semi-electric truck would provide enough visibility, given the lack of mirrors and unusual center pilot position. He also aforesaid Tesla should have targeted more on the brakes than the acceleration, and referred to as some of Tesla’s claims concerning current trucking tech questionable.
Many critics are wondering how Tesla could sell the Semi so cheaply. Some estimates have put the price of the one MWh battery alone at up to $400,000, so as Electrek speculates, Tesla should have some new technology or other tricks up its sleeve to be ready to make the economics work. Potential buyers are not spooked by the unknowns, tho’ — Canadian grocery chain Loblaws was the first to jump onboard with a big order, and retail giant Walmart also plans to test the truck.
