Tesla set out to enter the commercial freight market with an electric big-rig truck targeting a working range of 200 to 300 miles — a sign the automaker initially aimed at regional hauling rather than coast-to-coast long-haul.
CEO Elon Musk had promised a prototype Tesla Semi as a way to expand the company beyond luxury cars, tantalizing the trucking industry with the prospect of a battery-powered heavy-duty vehicle that could compete with conventional diesels, which can travel up to 1,000 miles on a single tank.
The prototype's range put it at the low end of what transportation veterans consider "long-haul" trucking, according to Scott Perry, an executive at fleet operator Ryder System. Perry, who met with Tesla officials at the automaker's Fremont, California facility, said the effort centered on a "day cab" with no sleeper berth, capable of traveling about 200 to 300 miles with a typical payload before recharging.
"I'm not going to count them out for having a strategy for longer distances, but right out of the gate I think that's where they'll start," Perry said.
A Regional Sweet Spot
A truck with that range would be able to move freight regionally — from ports to nearby cities, or from warehouses to retail establishments. Roughly 30 percent of U.S. trucking jobs are regional trips of 100 to 200 miles, according to Sandeep Kar, then chief strategy officer of Fleet Complete. "As long as Musk can break 200 miles he can claim his truck is long-haul, and he will be technically right," Kar said.
Interest in electric trucks runs high among transportation firms looking to cut emissions and operating costs. Electric motors require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, and grid power is cheaper than diesel.
The Battery Challenge
Current technology struggles to power trucks across the country. Experts said the batteries required for true long-haul would be so large and heavy there would be little room for cargo. An average diesel cab costs around $120,000, and the battery alone for a big rig capable of 200 to 400 miles with a typical payload could cost more than that, according to Carnegie Mellon researchers, whose analysis suggested battery weight would limit a semi to roughly 300 miles with an average payload.
Short-Haul First
Other manufacturers focused their early electric efforts on short-haul trucks, where smaller distances and lighter payloads require less battery power and vehicles can recharge at a central hub overnight. Daimler, the world's largest truck manufacturer by sales, began production on an electric delivery truck with a roughly 100-mile range, joined by startups building short-range electric trucks for package delivery in partnership with fleet operators.
Fleets and their customers believe electric trucks could cost more to buy but may be cheaper to maintain and offer more predictable fuel costs. As batteries get cheaper and environmental regulations tighten, the case for electric trucks should only strengthen.
"This tech is being seen as a major potential differentiator. Everyone wants to understand how real it is," Perry said.
Source: Reuters
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