American automaker Tesla is yet to ramp up the production of the all-electric Semi. However, the company has already delivered some units to customers.
That said, the appearance of the all-electric Class 8 trucks on US roads is now common. Recent sightings of the Tesla Semi showed its real-world performance, demonstrating its high potential to advance as the “king of the road.”
Tesla Semi spotted in the wild
Tesla enthusiast @HinrichsZane took numerous videos of the Semi while driving on public roads and shared them on Twitter. One of the video footages showcased the EV’s capability to drive up a steep grade.
In hindsight, Tesla CEO Musk noted at the Tesla Semi debut in late 2017 that its performance would significantly exceed its diesel-powered counterparts.
Now, Zane managed to confirm these claims, with one of its videos featuring the EV easily passing some ICE-powered trucks without missing a step.
Additionally, a different video showcased the Semi’s capability to easily overtake a diesel-powered truck on an uphill lane despite carrying a substantial amount of weight.
It is also worth noting that the Semi on the videos provided by Zane were white-painted. Therefore, it is from Tesla itself and not from its customers, such as PepsiCo.
See Also:
- Tesla Semi to undergo independent testing to confirm actual performance
- A trip to PepsiCo’s Frito Lay facility unveils Tesla Semi specifications
- New revelations for Tesla Semi’s massive battery system
- PepsiCo confirms plans to deploy 100 Tesla Semis in 2023
- Tesla Semi is finally delivered to its first customer at the company’s event
CEO Musk announced plans to increase the current production rate by late 2024 at a conference in Austin in June, indicating a delay in its production ramp-up. Notably, Tesla originally planned to annually produce about 50,000 Semis in 2024.
Nonetheless, Tesla is set to advance as one of the biggest truck makers in the US if it successfully hits its annual production target of 50,000 units.
Presented below is a table of Tesla Semi’s key specs:
| Fully Loaded at 82k lbs Gross Combination Weight | Specs |
| Mile Range | Approximately 300 or 500 miles |
| 0-60 mph | 20 seconds |
| Speed Up a 5% Grade | Highway speed limit |
| Powertrain | 3 independent motors on rear axles |
| Energy Consumption | Less than 2 kWh per mile |
| Fast Charging | Up to 70% of range in 30 minutes |
| Fuel Savings (est.) | Up to $200,000 over 3 years |
