Tesla Semi: Elon Musk unveils new bad-ass electric semi-truck coming in 2019

Tesla unveiled a new electric semi-truck, as well as a roadster, that’s supposedly going to change the transport industry in a big way.

by Erene Roux

20-11-2017 16:21

in Lifestyle

During a live-stream event on Thursday, Electric car-maker Tesla unveiled a new electric semi truck with semi-autonomous capabilities at its design studio in Hawthorne, California.

BAMF pic.twitter.com/r535Hv4Xz7

— Tesla (@Tesla) November 17, 2017

Simply named the “Tesla Semi”, the truck is set to be the king of all trucks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the new truck saying it is the safest, most comfortable truck that will cost operators just $1.67 per mile to operate, well below the figures achieved by diesel trucks.

Tesla’s new semi-truck looks completely bad-ass with the quickest acceleration – from zero to 60 mph in 20 seconds. The truck also has instant traction control with four independent motors.

More aerodynamic than a Bugatti Chiron pic.twitter.com/kHqoKVnIV2

— Tesla (@Tesla) November 17, 2017

The official website for Tesla Semi, also says it is the safest truck ever: “Enhanced Autopilot helps avoid collisions, a centered driver position provides maximum visibility and control, and a low center of gravity offers rollover protection.” Safety features include lane tracking and “nuclear explosion-proof glass” for the windshield.

“Every truck we sell will have enhanced autopilot as standard,” said Musk. Vox reported that this means semi-autonomous capabilities for breaking and keeping in lanes. Using the autopilot system, several Tesla trucks can form a convoy on highways, driving the operating cost down further.

“It’s not just economic suicide to use one diesel truck, it’s economic suicide for rail,” Musk said. “This beats rail.”

Production on the truck is said to start in 2019.

Tesla Semi details:

Acceleration: 0-60 mph with 80k lbs 20 sec
Speed: up a 5% Grade 65 mph
Mile Range: 300 or 500 miles
Powertrain: 4 Independent Motors on Rear Axles
Energy Consumption: Less than 2 kWh / mile
Fuel Savings: $200,000+

View from the cockpit pic.twitter.com/2kBupEXNM5

— Tesla (@Tesla) November 17, 2017

Today it’s been reported that the first set of Tesla Semi trucks has already been ordered by a Canadian Grocery chain even though there isn’t a price set on the trucks yet. Canadian grocery giant, Loblaw is reportedly purchasing 25 of the new transport trucks. They already paid $5,000 deposit for each upfront.

During the live-stream event, Musk also presented the company’s new four-seat roadster. They claim it is the fastest production car ever made with 620 miles of range that can go from zero to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds. “The point of doing this is to give a hardcore smack down to gasoline cars,” Musk said further.