What’s the big deal? An all electric semi truck? It’s a big deal.
On November 16, 2017, Tesla officially announced that they have developed a production, all electric tractor trailer. Ignore the noise about how only mostly non-truckers are impressed, and that the 500 mile range is impractical for long-haul trucking. This is just the beginning, and there will likely to be more improvements as we get closer to the estimated delivery in 2019.
The implication that this will be brushed aside from the lack of infrastructure may be true today in November 2017, but the same was said about electric vehicles not too long ago. If there is a demand and a need, the infrastructure will be built.
Tesla is working on a new solar-powered Megacharger network to meet the future demand. According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the Megacharger will be capable of putting 400 miles of range back in with just 30 minutes of charging.
Image Source: NPR
If a performance electric semi which claims to go 0-60 in 20 seconds at 80,000 lbs (full truck load), 65 mph up a 5% grade and 500 miles range does not sound impressive, this is not for you. It sure looked good enough for these fleets though:
- Loblaw: Pre-ordered 25.
- Walmart: Pre-ordered 15.
- JK Moving Services: Pre-ordered 4.
- J.B. Hunt: Pre-ordered “multiple.”
“Reserving Tesla trucks marks an important step in our efforts to implement industry-changing technology,” J.B. Hunt President and CEO John Roberts said in a news release. “We believe electric trucks will be most beneficial on local and dray routes, and we look forward to utilizing this new, sustainable technology.”
Image Source: Business Insider
Boa Logistics embraces technology, and look forward to seeing these hit the roads in the next couple of years.