The Tesla Semi will be sold in Europe, almost a decade after the electric truck was first introduced.
The truck, which was updated last year with new technology and a new look to bring it in line with the Model Y, will be unveiled at next month’s IAA Transportation show in Hannover, Germany. Tesla said it will confirm European specifications and launch plans at the event.
Tesla hopes the Semi can revitalize the electric heavy-duty vehicle segment in the same way it did with passenger cars a decade ago. Electric trucks from major manufacturers are in short supply and shippers remain concerned about their range, payload and carrying capacity. To that end, Tesla claims the Semi is more powerful, more efficient, and cheaper to operate than traditional trucks.
In the US, it is offered in two specifications. The standard range is claimed to be capable of covering 325 miles between charges and its three-motor powertrain combines to generate up to 1073bhp through its twin rear axles.
Tesla says it can replenish 60% of its range in 30 minutes when plugged into one of its Megachargers, which deliver up to 1200kW.
The long-range version has the same powertrain, but an extended rear section of the cabin contains additional batteries that increase its range to 500 miles.
It remains to be seen whether both versions of the Semi will be offered in Europe, but Tesla’s UK website quotes figures for the standard range only.
For reference, the 40-ton MAN eTGX has powers between 328 HP and 536 HP, a range of up to 600 kilometers and the ability to recharge up to 1,000 kW. The Mercedes eActros 600 has a range of 311 miles and is expected to gain megawatt charging capabilities in the future.
The Semi was first revealed in 2017, but faced a stunted development cycle, with the first examples going into operation with PepsiCo in the US five years later. Tesla has not yet revealed how many Semis it has delivered, but it recently sold 500 examples to Swedish transport company Einride, which is claimed to be the largest order for the truck yet.
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