Key Takeaways
1. The Tesla Semi averaged 1.55 kWh per mile during road testing on challenging freight routes, including the steep Donner mountain pass.
2. The Tesla Semi is reported to be three times more powerful than conventional diesel trucks, enabling it to perform well on steep inclines.
3. Drivers expressed high satisfaction with the Tesla Semi’s cabin comfort, safety features, visibility, and ease of operation.
4. Tesla is building over 40 charging stations along key freight routes to support the Tesla Semi’s operation.
5. The latest V4 Superchargers can charge the Semi at speeds exceeding 1 MW, improving the fast-charging network for electric trucks.
The Tesla Semi electric truck has been evaluated as a fleet vehicle on regular freight routes and has done exceptionally well. The transportation firm ArcBest reported that during three weeks of road testing, the Class 8 electric truck averaged an energy consumption of 1.55 kWh per mile, with routes specifically chosen to include various tough terrains.
Performance on Challenging Routes
Among these routes was the notorious Donner mountain pass, known for its steep incline, where the Tesla Semi matched the performance of diesel trucks. This isn’t the Tesla Semi’s first time tackling the Donner Pass; it has previously been seen overtaking diesel vehicles in that area.
The incline in this mountain pass, which exceeds 7,000 feet in elevation, begins at a 7% grade, and diesel trucks generally struggle to ascend at speeds above 50 mph. Because of this, right-hand lanes have been created for slower trucks in the steeper sections.
Engine Specs and Power
Typically, a semi-truck is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine producing around 600 HP and generating 1,850 pounds of torque. In contrast, Tesla asserts that its Semi is three times more powerful than conventional diesel trucks, making it feasible to overtake other vehicles even on long, steep inclines like those found at Donner Pass.
The freight company put Tesla’s Semi through a test over 4,494 miles, averaging 321 miles a day and using 1.55 kWh of battery per mile. However, for Tesla’s electric truck to be viable for fleet use, according to the company’s president, “it must meet or exceed the performance and total cost of ownership targets of our most efficient diesel units.”
Driver Satisfaction and Infrastructure Concerns
It did meet those criteria, and drivers expressed satisfaction with the comfort of the cabin, safety features, visibility, and ease of operation. The only concern that arose during the Tesla Semi trial was regarding the charging infrastructure.
Currently, Tesla is in the process of constructing over 40 Semi charging stations along important freight routes in the United States. The introduction of its V4 Superchargers will enhance the fast-charging network. The latest generation of Tesla Superchargers is capable of charging at speeds exceeding 1 MW, which is suitable for the Semi, and its design allows for quicker adoption due to its efficient footprint.
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