In early December 2022, PepsiCo will receive the first Tesla Semi trucks it ordered back in 2017.
Recently Elon Musk announced the start of the Tesla Semi production. The presentation of this Class 8 model took place in November 2017. Tesla initially planned to begin the manufacture in 2019 and then postponed it to 2021.
PepsiCo will be the first owner of the first Tesla Semi trucks: the company ordered 100 units back in 2017 but will get them after 5 years. Nothing is reported about deliveries to other customers so far. However, it seems the Semi is eligible for the IRA incentives.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) incentives offer tax credits and rebates to buyers of clean vehicles and appliances with a reduced carbon footprint. Commercial EVs like the Tesla Semi could qualify for a notable incentive of around $40K per vehicle which makes the Semi more attractive to potential customers.
The estimated base price for the truck with a 300-mile range is $150,000, and it is $180,000 for the Tesla Semi with a range of 500 miles. Real retail prices may be higher. A Tesla Semi can be reserved for $20,000 per unit.
Tech Specification
The electric truck accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 20 seconds with a load of 80,000 pounds and 5 sec without a trailer. It consumes less than 2 kWh of energy per mile. The Semi is able to climb a 5% grade at a steady 65 mph.
The powertrain consists of four independent electric motors on the rear axles. Due to regenerative braking, 98 percent of kinetic energy is recovered to a battery. The battery itself is designed for supporting repeated charge cycles for more than a million miles.
The model covers over 800 km or 500 miles on a full charge. You can charge a Tesla Semi from a mega charger within half an hour to add 400 miles.
Compared to diesel trucks, the Tesla Semi has higher-level safety, is more responsive and high-tech, covers larger distances in the same amount of time, and requires considerably less maintenance.
Finally, the model delivers massive savings in energy costs, efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Sources: Teslarati, EveryTesla
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