According to Elon Musk, Tesla Semi has successfully driven for more than 500 miles (805 km) on a single charge, fully loaded and weighing more than 81,000 lbs (36,500 kg). This is just days away from the first examples being delivered to customers. Almost three years behind schedule.
Tesla has not yet confirmed the final specifications for their Semi electric truck, but if the 500 mile range and energy consumption claims are accurate, it suggests that the battery offers around 1000 kWh of energy capacity.
Tesla Semi is powered by four electric motors which drive the rear wheels. Tesla claims that its truck can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about five seconds, making it one of the quickest trucks on the market.
Semi electric truck reportedly entered production in early October at a new building near the Tesla's Giga Nevada plant. Robin Denholm, chair of Tesla's board, testified that Tesla plans to produce 100 Tesla Semi trucks this year.
The first batch of Tesla Semi electric trucks will be delivered to Pepsi on December 1, with the food and drinks giant to use the vehicles at its Frito-Lay plant in Modesto and beverages plant in Sacramento.