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Old 01-11-2023, 07:50 PM   #19 (permalink)
JSH
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hersbird View Post
The actual weight of the cargo is the other number they really need to release. Until they do the claim by Daimler and Gates it couldn't be done really still stands. It wasn't the 500 miles that would be impossible because even 2000 miles would be possible by putting nothing but batteries in the trailer, but having a traditional 45,000 pounds of cargo and going 500 miles on a single charge is what's difficult. Daimler's trucks have smaller batteries to keep the weight similar to a diesel setup so they have lower ranges.
The deafening silence from Tesla on tractor weight and speed is a very strong indicator that Daimler's CEO and Gates were right. As pointed out in the video that Redpoint linked the speed in the Tesla video is less than 55 mph. The driver slowed down to 50 mph for the last 100 miles to make the trip without running out of juice.

I'd say the video is close to the GVW of the Tesla Semi tractor but the problem is he compares it to an "average" semi when he should be comparing it to a daycab as both versions of the Tesla Semi are day cabs. The Tesla is likely hauling about 8K less than diesel day cab outfitted for regional hauls.

Which means that it in fact would break the laws of physicals for a battery semi today to haul the same CARGO load 500 miles at highway speeds. I would argue highway speeds for an OTR semi are 62 - 65 mph.

Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5 View Post
Engineering Explained has another video talking about the Tesla Semi.

Do you think we'll reach 50% of commercial hauling going electric first, or 50% of passenger vehicles?
Decent video - better than his last that estimated the Semi weighed 20,000 lbs. He missed a few things on the battery size and diesel comparison but really we are just guessing until Tesla publishes the specs or someone posts a build book online.

Personal vehicles get to 50% before Class 8 trucks. For the simple reason that light duty mandates are more aggressive and we don't have the tech today for real OTR BEV Class 8 trucks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Piotrsko View Post
10,000 , 20,000, 30,000 new OTR trucks a year vs 1.3 million teslas? My guess is no.
220K Class 8 trucks were sold in 2021. About half are long-haul.

Last edited by JSH; 01-11-2023 at 07:58 PM..
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