Everything We Know About the Tesla Semi

By Kevin Armstrong
Tesla's Semi will revolutionize the trucking industry
Tesla's Semi will revolutionize the trucking industry
Tesla

Tesla delivered its first production Semis on December 1, 2022, to its first customer PepsiCo. It was five years in the making; Elon Musk first introduced this idea to the world on December 14, 2017. With deliveries officially taking place, the Tesla Semi is on the right track to change the trucking industry and in the words of Musk: This is going to revolutionize the road, make the world a better place in a meaningful way.

The Semi Beginning

Elon Musk first mused about the Tesla Semi in his Master Plan Part Deux, which appeared on the company website on July 20, 2016. Under the header: Expand to Cover the Major Forms of Terrestrial Transport, the CEO went further than sedans and SUVs. "There are two other types of electric vehicle needed: heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport.

Both are in the early stages of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year (2017)," wrote Musk. He also added, "we believe the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate."

However, you could trace the Semi back even further. At the delivery event, Musk reminded everyone of the Tesla mission, “Our actual mission is to accelerate the advent of sustainable energy. So that is why we are making this wide range of cars that don’t really make sense from a brand standpoint traditionally, but makes total sense when you consider what is the mission of the company.”

The company stated there are 15 million passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. every year, but only a couple hundred thousand big rigs. But that small percentage of long haulers makes up 20 percent of U.S. vehicle emissions because they are large vehicles that are always being used. Musk also pointed out that more than one-third of articulate emissions are produced by semi-trucks.

Tri-motors and a 1,000-volt Powertrain

When Musk introduced the Tesla Semi in 2017, he compared it to current semi-trucks on the road today and to a $2 million supercar, the Bugatti Chiron. The first features the CEO talked about were performance, but not just any performance.

Instead, Tesla referred to it as BAMF Performance. I'll let you figure out the acronym. While the appearance alone will make the Semi a standout at truck stops, it's the performance that will change the trucking industry.

The Semi was initially going to have four independent motors; however, when delivered it was down to a tri-motor system, similar to the Model S Plaid. But don’t let that fool you. Senior Manager of Tesla’s Semi Engineering, Dan Priestley, explained why many people refer to the Semi as the beast.

“(It has) three times the power than any diesel truck on the road right now. So, you’ve got all the power you need to get the job done, but the other reason that it’s a beast is because it is efficient, you can go 500 miles on a single charge on one of these things. It’s the mix of those two - this is a game-changer. What’s awesome is both of those are enabled by our 1000-volt powertrain. This is the first vehicle we are doing with that.”

Tri-Motors and a Clutch

The tri-motor power train system has one motor that will carry the load the majority of the time, as it’s mainly for highway driving. That efficiency motor is approximately the size of a football. The other two are for torque and acceleration. Those motors use the system straight out of the Model S Plaid powertrain except the Semi can physically disengage two motors when they're not in use.

Tesla introduced a clutch that will automatically engage or disengage the two performance motors. According to Tesla, the clutch will automatically engage the performance motors when needed and it'll do it completely seamlessly. Instead of having the motors moving freely when not in use like the Model S Plaid, disengaging them results in even better efficiency. Priestly said, “These are clutched automatically, no driver input is needed. It is seamless.”

Semi Performance

Tesla Semi achieves 0 to 60 MPH in 5 seconds (20 seconds under a full load)
Tesla Semi achieves 0 to 60 MPH in 5 seconds (20 seconds under a full load)
Not a Tesla App

Musk commented on the Semi’s performance, “It looks crazy, it looks like an elephant moving like a cheetah.” When it was launched it was promoted as reaching 60 miles per hour in five seconds without a load. It can also reach 60 miles per hour fully loaded with the maximum 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight in 20 seconds. As for up a hill with the full weight, current diesel trucks achieve 45 miles per hour at a 5% grade; the Tesla Semi will do 65 miles per hour at the same degree.

Semi Range and Efficiency

While the speed and acceleration are undoubtedly impressive and a considerable improvement over the current diesel trucks on the road, the range is the industry's most important factor. Tesla states that its Semis have a 500-mile range at maximum gross vehicle weight and highway speeds. This number is significant because 80% of trucking routes are 250 miles or less. "You can deliver a load out to the middle of nowhere and come back," said Musk.

It seems that this claim was the most in dispute. Bill Gates openly doubted the range in a blog post dated August 24, 2020. The Gates Notes stated: Even with big breakthroughs in battery technology, electric vehicles will probably never be a practical solution for things like 18-wheelers, cargo ships, and passenger jets. Electricity works when you need to cover short distances, but we need a different solution for heavy, long-haul vehicles.

Tesla set out to prove him wrong. They recorded an entire, unedited video of the Tesla Semi traveling 500 miles on a single charge. Luckily, they speed up the eight-hour video to a few seconds for the presentation, but it did show a long haul, with 82,000 pounds, going from Fremont to San Diego.

There are several advanced technologies at work to make this happen. The Semi's current efficiency is about 1.7kWh per mile, but Musk sees a way to make it even more efficient.

"We designed the Tesla truck to be like a bullet, whereas normal diesel trucks are designed more like a barn wall; this is a bullet," said the Tesla CEO. The Semi can generate the performance and the range due to the design. The drag coefficient or wind resistance of the regular diesel trucks is a .65 to .70. The Tesla Semi scores a 0.36, cutting the regular diesel truck drag in half and even beating the Bugatti Chiron score of .38.

The sleek nose and flat bottom are accompanied by side flaps that adjust to the trailer. These features help cut the drag and increase the range.

Charging the Semi

The Semi will be capable of charging much faster than ordinary EVs
The Semi will be capable of charging much faster than ordinary EVs
Tesla

Tesla nearly upstaged the Semi delivery by announcing what will be charging it. The new V4 Superchargers are capable of producing 1 MW DC. Musk explained, “to charge a truck like this quickly you need a high-powered charger. It’s our next-generation immersive cooling. It’s liquid-cooled, so you don’t need like a gigantic elephant truck of a cable, you can actually have a small cable, and that cable delivers a megawatt… We’ve 3x-ed the current density.”

Priestley, went further into detail, “This is pretty cool stuff. You’re actually immersing the conductor in the coolant. This water-based coolant that we have, we are doing some really neat isolation monitoring on the back end to ensure that it is safe and delivering what it needs to. But it means that we can really shove a lot of current in a very, very small place. So, for those who have charged their cars at a V3 Supercharger and the cable’s nice and maneuverable, it’s the same thing here, but now we’re just shoving a megawatt through it instead.”

Tesla wants the Semi to go from empty to 70 percent in 30 minutes. That time is vital to note because, in most jurisdictions, drivers must stop every six hours for a 30-minute break. The company says that the Semi will have added 400 miles in half an hour, which can last another six hours. Additionally, these chargers will be at destinations that would allow owners to charge the Semi while it is being loaded or unloaded.

Tesla Semi Unveiling

Displays and Software

The Semi's interior is most similar to the Model 3 or Model Y.

The Semi lacks an instrument cluster but features two horizontal displays, one to either side of the driver.

The right display appears to contain the traditional launcher we have in today's Teslas with access to music, phone, cabin temperature and more, while the left display contains truck-specific features at the bottom, such as tire PSI, trailer air supply and parking brake functions.

Although the software can be changed at any point, the best way to describe the vehicle's current software is to compare it to a Model 3/Y.

The Semi essentially takes the display of the Model 3 or Model Y, and splits it down the middle then puts those items on two separate displays.

The left display contains the speedometer, gear selector, battery indicators and the vehicle's visualization.

The Semi's interior features two horizontal displays
The Semi's interior features two horizontal displays
Tesla

The right portion of the display on a Model 3 which includes information such as maps and apps is displayed on the Semi's right display.

However, Tesla isn't taking up the entire display with these features. About one-third of each display appears to be reserved for always-on blind spot camera monitors.

Battery

Although Tesla hasn't released the exact size of the batteries in the Tesla Semi, they have released enough information for us to accurately assess its size.

Tesla has said that the Semi will achieve an efficiency of less than 2 kWh per mile (1.24 kWh per km). Tesla has also said that the Semi will have a range of approximately 300 or 500 miles.

With these two bits of information, we can speculate that the Semi will be available in two versions. A "Long Range" model that will have approximately a 1,000 kWh, or 1 MWh battery, and a "Standard" version with about a 600 kWh battery.

For comparison, a 2022 Model S contains a 100 kWh battery, so the Tesla Semi will have a significantly larger battery at 6x to 10x the size of its smaller cousin.

Having a larger battery will allow the Semi to charge faster than Tesla's current models since the current can be spread across more batteries.

The first Tesla Semi trucks will use the 2170 battery cell; the same one that is used in the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y. However, it's expected the Tesla will eventually switch over to use their 4680 batteries once production improves.

Safety

The Semi comes with the same safety features as Tesla's existing vehicles, the same kind of standards that have earned Tesla countless accolades. The Semi has Enhanced Autopilot, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Lane Keeping and Forward Collision Warning.

The company also believes that moving the driver seat to the middle of the vehicle makes the Semi safer if it is involved in a crash. It has a low center of gravity due to the battery pack's location at the bottom and middle of the vehicle. That is the same as current Teslas, reducing the vehicle's chance of rolling over. "Jackknifing is impossible," declared Musk. He said that due to the independent motors, the Semi would detect a jackknifing situation and adjust the torque to the wheels needed to keep the vehicle from skidding out of control. "Your worst nightmare is gone with this truck. Gone. You never have to worry about it."

Driver Experience

When it comes to the experience of driving a Tesla Semi, Musk summed it up best, "it's like driving a Model S or X or 3. It's just big." Today, big trucks on the roads can have anywhere from 10 to 18 gears . That's a lot of shifting. Operators of the Tesla Semi need to simply shift into drive. It's a lot less fatiguing and lets truckers focus more on the road.

The driver's seat is in the center of the expansive cockpit that is also tall enough that someone can stand in it. The videos and pictures have failed to show the sleeper cab portion of the vehicle. However, there is a significant amount of room behind the cockpit to house a sleeping area.

Reliability

At the unveiling, Musk made a shocking promise; he guaranteed that the Semi will not break down for a million miles. He was confident in that number because of the independent drivetrains. If one motor stops working, the others can pick up the slack. Musk said if just two of the motors were active, the Semi would still beat a diesel truck in performance.

Trucks put brakes to the test because they haul so much weight. But, again, like other Teslas, the brakes will be used as generators and put back energy into the battery. "Brake pads literally last forever," said Musk. Removing the internal combustion engine also means no transmission to maintain, emissions scrubber or differentials.

The Semi has thermonuclear explosion glass. Musk quipped, "it survives a nuclear explosion, or you get a full refund." He pointed out that, on average, semi-trucks' windshields crack at least once a year. Trucks are not legally allowed to drive with a cracked windshield in several areas worldwide. That means a single crack could park a trucker for an undetermined amount of time waiting to get fixed. The Tesla armored glass takes away that risk.

Just like other Teslas, the app will be available for the Semi. That feature includes remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, location tracking, and connection to Tesla Mobile Service.

Cost of Ownership

The Semi can be charged while the vehicle is loaded or unloaded
The Semi can be charged while the vehicle is loaded or unloaded
Tesla

Trucking is a unique business. The costs are difficult to predict mainly due to the fluctuations in the cost of diesel and maintenance. When the Semi was unveiled in 2017, the diesel fuel price per gallon was $2.50; Five years later, it has more than doubled.

Tesla estimates that operators will save approximately $200,000 over three years because electricity is 2.5 times cheaper per mile. There will also be considerable savings by not having to leave the truck in the shop for routine maintenance and less time off the road for cracked windshields.

Aerodynamics and Drag Coefficient

The Tesla Semi has a drastically lower drag coefficient compared to other trucks
The Tesla Semi has a drastically lower drag coefficient compared to other trucks
Tesla

The Semi's aerodynamics produce even bigger cost savings if they operate in convoy. It's estimated a three-truck convoy averaging 60 miles per hour would cost $0.85 per mile. That price not only beats diesel trucks but also trains.

The Tesla Semi has a drag coefficient of just 0.36. This helps reduce wind noise and improve efficiency. A traditional diesel semi truck has a drag coefficient range between 0.65 and 0.70, while a Buggatti Chiron has a coefficient of 0.38. For comparison the Tesla Model 3, one of the most aerodynamics vehicles ever created, has a coefficient of 0.23.

Buyers

Big name companies were some of the first to put down a deposit. Walmart ordered 130 Semis, UPS purchased 125, Pepsi is waiting for 100, Anheuser Busch asked for 40, and FedEx has reserved 20.

Other names reported to have bought the Semi include Sysco, DHL, Ryder and Loblaws. It's believed that several independent truckers have also secured the Semi. Obviously, Tesla is using its Semi. The attention-grabbing technological breakthrough has been spotted delivering Tesla products to dealerships in California.

A Megacharger has been installed at the Pepsi facility in California as well. Expect more companies to jump on board as these impressive beasts start to be spotted on highways worldwide.

While Tesla has closed reservations, buyers in the United States may be lining up to get in once Tesla starts retaking orders. The Inflation Reduction Act announced in July could net Tesla Semi buyers upwards of $40,000 in incentives.

Tesla Teases New 7-Seat Model Y

By Karan Singh
The third row in the first-generation Model Y
The third row in the first-generation Model Y
Not a Tesla App

In a move that’s sure to excite those with larger families, Tesla has started teasing the return of the seven-seat configuration for the Model Y. In a new marketing email sent out to customers recently, Tesla explicitly highlights the vehicle’s spaciousness.

“Ready for anything with long range, seating for up to seven, and enough room for everyone’s gear.”

The seven-seat Model Y was initially offered in late 2021, but it hasn’t been available since Spring 2023. The return of the new variant will be an addition that many have been waiting for, as the next vehicle with that much passenger space in the line-up is the Model X, starting at almost double the price.

First-Gen Model Y Third Row

The original seven-seat Model Y was extremely popular in the Asia-Pacific and European markets, and it still sold fairly well in North America despite differences in preferred vehicle sizing and spaciousness. It offers additional seats for larger families with young children, but space in the third row is minimal.

The seven-seat variant makes the Model Y more competitive against other three-row SUVs on the market. The video below features the seven-seater, first-generation Model Y.

Power Reclining Third Row?

The refreshed Model Y was launched with power-reclining second-row seats, a huge plus for practicality and ease of use. The power-reclining second-row seats are extremely popular with families and are very helpful, as you can control them from the front screen rather than needing to open the rear doors.

Tesla is likely to integrate power-reclining seats into the third row and potentially keep them for the second row as well. With the second row sliding forward and backward for easy entry, as well as allowing the second and third rows to fold flat for additional cargo room when needed.

Launch Date and Price

Tesla’s tease of the seven-seat variant is likely just the start. With recent sightings of the Model Y Performance variant hitting the Nürburgring, it seems Tesla has a lot in store for this summer. If you’ve been waiting for the seven-seat variant, it seems like it’ll be just a few short months away at this rate.

While we haven’t seen any production samples or other details regarding dates yet, Tesla previously priced the seven-seat option at an additional $2,000 USD ($3,000 CAD). The seven-seat option will likely only be available on the Long Range AWD and Long Range RWD variants, not the Performance model, similar to the first-generation Model Y.

Tesla’s First Autonomous Vehicle Delivery to Happen on June 28th

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

In Elon’s flurry of posts on X about FSD yesterday, he also revealed the date that another moment of peak science fiction would be occurring — June 28th. Tesla expects to conduct the first-ever self-delivery, where a brand-new Model Y will depart from the production line and arrive directly at its new owner’s home without any human intervention.

Imagine ordering a vehicle, and a few days later, rather than needing to pick it up, it simply arrives in your driveway and notifies you via an app that it has arrived. That’s no longer the talk of science fiction; it is quite literally something that is likely to happen this month.

Expect a Model Y Delivery in Austin

Considering everything Tesla has done so far, we’re fairly certain that the first self-delivered vehicle will be a Model Y in Austin, in the same geo-fenced area where Tesla’s Robotaxi will operate. FSD is highly optimized for the Model Y, and it’ll take some time for those optimizations to trickle down to the rest of the fleet. It’s not clear if FSD performs better on the Model Y because it’s the most popular vehicle and, therefore, Tesla has the most data for it or if Tesla explicitly chose to focus more on their most popular vehicle.

Why Self-Delivery?

While a car driving itself is something truly different from what other manufacturers offer, there are also numerous strategic advantages for Tesla to do so. This includes drastically reducing last-mile delivery costs by minimizing the need for car carriers, delivery drivers, and even delivery personnel at your local Tesla center. For customers, it could mean a faster, more flexible delivery method - and one absolutely unforgettable welcome to Tesla ownership.

We recently took a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of vehicles delivering themselves to customers. While it’s all positive for Tesla, there are some potentially negative sides to it as well.

A Futuristic Glimpse

When you step back and look at it, Self-Delivery is a logical extension of Unsupervised FSD and the Robotaxi network in general. Self-deliveries are expected to run on the same software stack that powers the Model Ys currently roaming Austin’s streets autonomously, which means there is little for Tesla to do other than enable specific instructions for self-delivery during the final vehicle configuration steps.

Robotaxis currently run a newer version of FSD than what’s available to the public, but these self-delivered vehicles will likely be on the same version when they’re delivered.

Given Elon’s note that the dates could shift, this could easily be moved to early July; however, either way, it seems like we’re just weeks away from this monumental event, which will further reduce the cost of Tesla vehicles.

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

More Tesla News

Tesla Videos

Latest Tesla Update

Confirmed by Elon

Take a look at features that Elon Musk has said will be coming soon.

Subscribe

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter