Tesla has opened orders for its semi electric truck after long four-year wait held back by battery cell supply constraints, according to The Driven.
Tesla is hyping the semi’s ability to accelerate from 0-96.5km/h in 20 seconds, a feature Tesla describes as “badass”. This is also thanks to a drag coefficient of 0.36.
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Other notable features include the semi’s four independent motors situated on the rear axle, allowing for a speed of 96.5km/h up a 5 per cent grade. Tesla says that the semi’s energy consumption is under 2kWh per mile, equating to the average power used by about 8 Model 3s.
The Tesla semi is available with two battery options—either 482km or 805km of range. It comes with Tesla’s signature advanced driver assist, Autopilot, which Tesla says will help avoid collisions. Tesla emphasises this is not autonomous driving and drivers must remain alert at all times.
It adds that the semi’s low centre of gravity offers rollover protection.
Other specs include a gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 37 tonnes. It has 240kW charging for a recharge time of 120 minutes (20-80 per cent) and 480kW continuous power.
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The expected base price of AU$217,680 is for the standard-range semi and AU$261,210 for the extended-range variant, with Tesla asking a AU$29,020 reservation fee for orders placed.
The semi is only available in the US at the moment.
