Tesla Semi to have 500 mile range, to be delivered this year

By Jorge Aguirre
Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla

Tesla's first electric semi-truck will have a range of 500 miles and begin shipping this year, according to a tweet from Elon Musk, founder and CEO. Musk previously said that the model would be on roads in 2023, as well as Tesla's pickup truck, dubbed the Cybertruck. The projected arrival date for the Cybertruck has not changed.

The Tesla Semi Truck, which was unveiled in November 2017, is designed for long-haul trucking. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 20 seconds when hauling a full load, which is faster than most diesel trucks.

The Tesla Semi Truck's range of 500 miles on a single charge constitutes more than double the range of the current longest-range electric truck on the market, the Daimler eCascadia, which has a range of 230 miles.

Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla

The Tesla Semi Truck is also significantly cheaper to operate than a diesel truck, Tesla has said. The company estimates that it will cost $1.26 per mile to operate the Tesla Semi, compared to $1.51 per mile for a diesel truck.

Since the company started taking orders for the truck in 2017 some of the most sizable orders have come from the likes of UPS, Walmart, and PepsiCo. The original deposit required with an order was $5,000, which was increased to $20,000 after the event in November 2017.

Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla

The company has not said how many trucks it plans to produce but based on past statements from Tesla we can expect the price of regular production versions for the 300-mile (480 km) and 500-mile (800 km) range versions to be $150,000 and $180,000 USD respectively.

Tesla's Semi Truck is part of the company's push to electrify the transportation sector, which is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Tesla also makes electric cars and SUVs, and it plans to start producing its electric truck next year. Tesla's ultimate goal is to transition the world to sustainable energy.

Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla to release the first Tesla Semis this year
Tesla

Tesla Semi Event

Tesla unveiled the Tesla Semi and the Tesla Roadster in late 2017. The entire event is below:

Tesla Now Offers Windshield Protection Plan With Monthly Subscription — Must Enroll Within 30 Days

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has quietly launched a new monthly subscription service in the United States for windshield protection. This is separate from the recently announced Extended Service Agreement, an extended warranty that is paid for monthly.

This new plan specifically targets one of the most common and costly repairs: windshield damage, which is not covered by the extended warranty.

This new plan is a nice addition for users who prefer peace of mind, but it comes with some very specific and time-sensitive eligibility windows that all new owners should be aware of.

Coverage & Cost

For a flat monthly fee that varies by model, the Windshield Protection Plan provides comprehensive coverage for the front windshield, including the use of Tesla OEM glass and any required Autopilot camera calibrations.

The benefits include:

  • One free windshield replacement every 12-month period with no deductible

  • Any additional replacements incur a $100 co-pay per replacement

  • Unlimited chip and minor crack repairs

Tesla varies the pricing based on your vehicle:

  • Model 3 / Model Y: $12 per month

  • Model S: $15 per month

  • Model X: $23 per month

Who is Eligible and When?

This is the most crucial part to take away here. 

You must enroll within 30 days of taking delivery of a new or used Tesla vehicle

This is a very tight window, so new owners interested in the plan will need to subscribe pretty quickly. However, Tesla does offer alternative ways to get into the program.

Alternative Ways to Join

If you paid for a replacement windshield at Tesla, you also have 30 days to join the program. Likewise, if your vehicle passes a complimentary vehicle inspection, Tesla will also offer you the ability to join the program.

Although the complimentary inspection isn’t available yet, Tesla expects to begin offering the program sometime around July 2025. For now, the plan is only available in the US, similar to the new Extended Service Agreement Subscription. However, Tesla has announced plans to roll it out to other regions shortly, starting with Canada and Mexico.

No Cybertruck Coverage

Just as with the ESA, the Cybertruck is left out. The new Windshield Protection Plan isn’t being offered on the Cybertruck.

This exclusion is particularly important given the high cost of replacing a windshield for the Cybertruck. Out-of-pocket replacement costs exceed $2,300 USD. For now, Cybertruck owners will have to rely on their standard auto insurance for coverage.

How to Subscribe

Enrolling in the Extended Service Agreement or the Windshield Protection plan is handled directly within the Tesla App. If your vehicle is eligible, you’ll be able to navigate to Upgrades > Service Plans > Windshield Protection to review the terms and subscribe.

Once the complimentary inspection is available, you’ll be able to subscribe in person at a Tesla service center as well.

This new plan offers an affordable way for owners to hedge against one of the most common, frustrating, and expensive repair costs, and is expected to be a popular add-on.

Tesla Launches New Monthly Extended Service Agreement With Longer Coverage

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

Tesla has introduced a new, more flexible and affordable way for owners to get peace of mind after their factory warranty ends. This new service is a monthly subscription that replaces the previous Extended Service Agreement (ESA) in the United States.

The new subscription model makes it more appealing to owners, as it avoids a large upfront payment. This new subscription also offers better coverage terms than before.

Longer Coverage, Better Flexibility

The biggest upgrade in this new format of the ESA is the length of the coverage. The old prepaid ESA was limited to just two years or 25,000 miles beyond the factory warranty, for a total of up to 75,000 miles.

The new monthly program doubles the potential coverage period, offering protection for up to four additional years beyond the factory warranty, or until the vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Coming from a basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 50,000 miles, this is a huge jump up in customer protection.

Pricing & Deductible

The monthly price is simple, but it varies depending on the model. The Model 3 is the most affordable at just $50 per month, while the Model X is the most expensive at $150 per month.

  • Model 3: $50 / month

  • Model Y: $60 / month

  • Model S: $125 / month

  • Model X: $150 / month

However, Tesla will also charge a $100 deductible for each service visit that covers an included repair, on top of the monthly subscription fee.

Exclusions

The ESA is an exclusionary warranty, meaning it covers the repair or replacement needed to correct a failure of most parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla. However, there are some parts not covered under the ESA, which include:

  • High Voltage Battery

  • Drive Unit

  • 12V/16V Low Voltage Battery

  • Bodywork

  • Paint

  • Glass

  • Charging Equipment

  • Wear & Tear Items (cabin air filters, brake pads, tires, etc.)

  • Issues arising from accidents, modifications, or environmental damage

Essentially, the ESA is designed to cover the components other than the drivetrain. That includes the touchscreen, computers, heat pumps, suspension, or other non-drivetrain electronics that aren’t covered after the 4-year basic warranty.

Tesla vehicles come with an extensive battery and drivetrain warranty that covers these items for up to 8 years. The maximum mileage varies by model. RWD Model 3 and Model Ys are covered for the first 100k miles, while Long Range Model 3s and Ys are covered up to 120k miles. The Model S and Model X are covered for up to 150,000 miles or 8 years.

Eligibility and Sign-Up

Eligibility for the new ESA subscription is pretty clear-cut.

Your vehicle must be within its 4-year / 50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tesla will send customers whose basic warranty is about to expire a notification approximately 3 months before the time-based expiry.

The subscription is not available for leased vehicles or vehicles that were purchased used. Tesla plans to offer eligibility to customers who purchase their vehicle at the end of a lease by the end of 2025, and for used vehicle customers in the near future.

The Cybertruck, due to its relatively newness to the market, doesn’t have access to the ESA quite yet - but it will be coming “in the near future.” For Canada and Mexico in particular, the ESA is not yet available, but Tesla has confirmed plans to bring this subscription to other regions soon.

Subscribing is done through the Tesla App. Tap Upgrades > Service Plans > Extended Service Agreement. Once you review the terms and the monthly fee, you can then hit Subscribe and confirm your payment information.

If the ESA is not visible, your vehicle is not eligible for the subscription.

Payments for the ESA only begin once your original warranty has expired. However, you can sign up at any time, and payments will automatically start when your factory warranty expires.

Other Service Plans

Tesla also offers a Windshield Protection Plan and a Wheel and Tire Protection Plan, if you didn’t already know. Both of these plans are subscription-based and are currently only available in the United States. However, Tesla has indicated that it plans to expand to other regions in the near future.

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