Tesla has released a video showing an all-electric Semi prototype being put through its paces at the company’s test track.
The electric car manufacturer first presented the Semi to the world in November 2017 and while the initial plan was for deliveries to commence in 2019, the truck has been repeatedly delayed and won’t reach the hands of customers until later this year.
The clip shows the Semi testing on a banked section of Tesla’s test circuit but it isn’t towing a trailer. As you’d expect, it is very quiet compared to a regular diesel truck and promises to offer far superior performance.
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When first announced, Elon Musk claimed the Tesla Semi would have a range of 500 miles (804 km) under highway conditions when towing an 80,000 lbs (36,387 kg) load. He added that it would be able to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 20 seconds with a full 80,000 lb load and climb 5 per cent grades at a steady 65 mph (104.6 km/h), compared to the 45 mph (72 km/h) of an equivalent diesel truck. Then, in early 2020, Musk claimed the Semi’s range would actually sit at 600 miles (965 km).
The electric vehicle industry has progressed quite a lot in recent years so it is reasonable to assume that some improvements will be made to the Semi before it hits production. In fact, Electrek claims that the prototype in this video is using the company’s new 4680 battery cells that promise to improve range.
Semi on the track pic.twitter.com/0QCTYGbLJv
— Tesla (@Tesla) March 14, 2021