Tesla has officially announced that the new Semi electric truck has rolled off the production line, marking a significant milestone in its mass production journey. The vehicle is being manufactured at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada, which is projected to reach an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. The updated Semi features a tri-motor powertrain, capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds, and offers a range of 800 kilometers.
Tesla’s original vision for the Semi was to address pressing climate change and global warming concerns. In the United States, semi-trucks account for only 1% of total vehicle production but are responsible for 20% of total vehicle emissions and over one-third of particulate matter emissions. By replacing diesel trucks with electric alternatives, Tesla aims to significantly mitigate environmental damage caused by pollutants.
The new Semi boasts a streamlined, futuristic exterior design that ensures low aerodynamic drag, while its all-electric architecture provides a low center of gravity. The front fascia has been completely redesigned, incorporating a full-width LED daytime running light signature similar to the new Model Y, enhancing its road presence. The vehicle retains a massive windshield, providing the driver with exceptional visibility.
Inside, the Semi breaks away from traditional cockpit layouts. The driver’s seat is positioned centrally, flanked by two 15-inch displays that provide real-time panoramic views to eliminate blind spots. There is ample storage space to the right of the driver, while the passenger seat is located behind and to the right of the driver. In terms of driver assistance, the Semi is equipped with Tesla’s advanced suite, designed to significantly reduce driver fatigue, and supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
Under the hood, the Semi utilizes a tri-motor drive system that delivers three times the performance of a conventional diesel truck. It supports a maximum payload of over 36 tons. While the truck can sprint from 0-100 km/h in about 5 seconds unladen, it maintains a respectable 20-second 0-100 km/h time even when fully loaded. The vehicle offers a range of 800 km and can charge to 70% capacity in just 30 minutes, with an energy consumption rate of less than 1.24 kWh/km. Tesla provides a comprehensive sustainable energy ecosystem for Semi owners, including solar panels and energy storage solutions to facilitate charging.
Your daily pit stop for Chinese EV news, tech, and trends.
