In recent years electric vehicles have taken the world by storm. Many manufacturers have jumped on board to start producing electric cars.
However, we haven’t seen quite the same urgency when it comes to semi trucks. There have been some rumours, but so far nothing concrete on a surge of electric semi trucks.
So far Tesla is leading the way in electric semi trucks. Read on to find out more about the possibly electric future of trucking:
Here’s the answer to whether Electric Semi Trucks are Feasible:
The concept of Electric semi trucks is feasible. It is anticipated that electric semi trucks will be 3.37 times more efficient than diesel engines and average around $0.32 per mile. Careful route planning has to be done to power up trucks with approx. 42000 charging stations all around in the U.S.
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Are there any Electric Semi-Trucks?
Electric semi trucks are only just coming onto the scene. It’s much later than we expected since electric cars have begun to make an appearance since 2010.
As such, there aren’t many electric semi trucks out there. Most manufacturers are starting to roll out their electric semi trucks from 2022 onwards.
The most anticipated electric semi truck is built by Tesla. This will be a top of the range semi truck with all the latest tech.
Tesla claims that it will be the safest and most comfortable semi truck ever built.
Other than Tesla, there are some semi truck manufacturers who are beginning to shift their focus to an electric future. These include Nikola, Volvo, Daimler, and Renault.
MAN and Scania on the other hand are slightly behind the others, however, they have invested $2 billion into the research and development of electric semi trucks, so we can expect to see them on the scene in the near future as well.
How Far can an Electric Semi Truck Go?
Electric semi trucks still have a long way to go. The Volvo electric semi trucks are reported to have a range of 150 miles.
Renault electric semi trucks on the other hand are even further behind. They currently offer a mileage of only 94 miles on a single charge.
With Tesla being the most invested and furthest ahead in their electric vehicle research and development, it is best to look further into the Tesla semi truck.
The Tesla semi truck is reportedly available in two different options. The basic option has a range of 300 miles, whereas the premium option has a range of 500 miles.
How Much is an Electric Semi Truck?
Since Tesla is at the forefront of electric semi trucks, looking at their prices can give us a good estimate of how much electric semi trucks will cost.
The basic option will be available for $150,000. The premium option will be available for $180,000. There is also a base reservation cost of $20,000.
However, what is most impressive with electric semi trucks is the amount of money you would be saving on fuel. Tesla states that fuel cost savings are $200,000+.
How Much Electricity does an Electric Semi Truck Use?
Most electric semi trucks state that they use 2kWH per mile. One gallon equates to 33.7 kWh according to the US Department of Energy.
Diesel semi trucks use 33.7 kWh every five miles. In comparison to the electric semi truck which uses only 10 kWh every 5 miles.
This makes the electric semi truck 3.37 times more energy efficient than a diesel semi truck.
How Much does it Cost to Charge an Electric Semi Truck?
It is estimated that the Tesla semi truck will cost around $128,07 to charge. This price may vary depending on the charging station.
A full charge will get you between 300 and 500 miles depending on the model you have. This averages $0.32 per mile.
How Long does it take to Charge an Electric Semi Truck?
Charging times are the main factor that people are worried about when it comes to the Tesla semi truck, and in fact any other electric semi trucks.
Electric semi trucks will need massive batteries to operate properly. However, Tesla claims that their electric semi truck can fully charge in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Of course, we do not have any concrete evidence of that yet, however, once the Tesla semi truck is released we will know its true charging time.
Are there Sufficient Charging Stations for Electric Semi Trucks?
In the United States, there are around 42,000 public charging stations. This should be sufficient to support electric semi trucks.
However, it might take some careful route planning to ensure you pass by one of these charging stations. Planning will become crucial with electric semi trucks.
As for the rest of the world, most countries still need to add some charging stations before electric semi trucks can take over.
Torque and Horsepower of Electric Semi Trucks vs Diesel Trucks?
Diesel semi trucks are capable of producing anywhere between 400 and 600 horsepower. This is a massive amount of power, however, it is necessary based on the weight of the vehicle.
The Tesla semi truck is reported to be using the same system as the Model 3, which means it could feature a 1000 horsepower powertrain.
If this is the case, electric semi trucks will be much more powerful than their diesel counterparts, and this will make towing heavy trailers significantly easier.
In terms of torque, diesel semi trucks can produce between 1000 and 2000 lbs-ft. This is an extremely impressive number.
Tesla reports that its semi truck will have 1000 lbs-ft. However, the most impressive number comes from the acceleration of the semi truck.
The Tesla semi truck is capable of going from 0-60 miles per hour in just 20, with a fully loaded trailer attached to it. Diesel semi trucks on the other hand can take up to a minute to complete the same task.
This is because electric vehicles have instant acceleration as the power is delivered from the battery straight to the wheels.
What Work Loads will Electric Trucks be Suited for?
Electric semi trucks will mostly be used for highways. They are excellent with acceleration and mileage, which makes them ideal for long distance hauling.
In addition, they will also feature the latest technology. For example, the Tesla semi truck will feature autopilot which will allow drivers to be more comfortable driving long distances.
Are Electric Semi Trucks Feasible?
Electric semi trucks are feasible. However, it seems we may need to wait a few more years to develop electric vehicles.
Tesla is at the forefront of bringing electric semi trucks into the world, and even their project has seen multiple delays.
It certainly is a difficult project to complete, however, once it gains traction there is no doubt the world will quickly adopt the electric semi truck.
With recent projects such as roads that can charge electric vehicles while driving, the future of electric semi trucks is looking bright.
What are the most Popular Electric Semi Trucks?
Currently, the Tesla semi truck is the most anticipated. The Tesla semi truck features some of the most cutting edge technology on the market.
This includes features found in Tesla road cars such as autopilot. These features will revolutionize the world of trucking, and it will give drivers the comfort and safety they deserve.
Another popular electric semi truck is Volvo’s edition. This comes as no surprise. Volvo is one of the best semi truck manufacturers, and many people are anticipating them to go up against Tesla to fight for the best electric semi truck in the industry.
Are Electric Semi Trucks the Future?
There seems to be a massive focus on electric semi trucks. This shows that many manufacturers truly do believe that they are the future.
With the world and our modern society moving further towards hybrid and fully electric vehicles, it’s safe to say that the semi truck industry will be doing the same.
The current situation with global warming has forced manufacturers to further research and develop their electric vehicles. Many manufacturers have already invested billions of dollars in electric semi trucks.
Will Electric Semi-Trucks Replace Diesel?
It will certainly take some time, however electric semi trucks are bound to replace diesel semi trucks at some point. It’s clear that there is still a long way to go.
However, every single semi truck manufacturer has begun the process of incorporating EV technology into their semi trucks already.
