Performance Metrics:

Tesla’s primary focus for their Semi truck is performance. They aim to produce a vehicle that delivers a remarkable driving experience with exceptional acceleration capabilities. The Tesla Semi is designed to go from 0 to 60 mph in just five seconds, whether it’s operating independently or towing a trailer.

Comparison with Diesel Trucks:

Tesla contrasts their Semi’s capabilities with those of traditional diesel trucks. While demonstrating real-time acceleration, Tesla revealed that their Semi could reach 60 mph in 20 seconds even when carrying a full load of 80,000 pounds. The presentation emphasized that a similarly burdened diesel truck appeared nearly stationary in comparison.

Efficiency in Hilly Terrain:

The Tesla Semi is engineered to outperform diesel trucks in hilly terrains. While the best diesel trucks can manage a speed of 45 mph going up a 5% grade, the Tesla Semi can maintain a speed of 65 mph under the same conditions. This superior speed allows Tesla Semi operators to earn 50% more per mile when navigating mountainous routes.

Range Questions:

Tesla addressed one of the most frequently asked questions about electric trucks: their range. The company stated that their Semi would have a 500-mile range, although they did not elaborate on what conditions this range is based on.

Overall, Tesla aims to revolutionize the trucking industry by offering a Semi that not only excels in performance and acceleration but also offers significant economic advantages over traditional diesel trucks.

Range and Efficiency:

The Tesla Semi offers a range of 500 miles at maximum weight and highway speed. Notably, this is a worst-case scenario, and for many routes under 250 miles, it allows for a round-trip without the need to recharge, even in remote areas lacking charging infrastructure.

Design for Aerodynamics:

The truck is designed like a “bullet” to minimize air resistance, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.36, better than some supercars. Features such as bullet-shaped nose, side flaps that adapt to the trailer, and a flat bottom contribute to this aerodynamic efficiency.

Motor and Suspension:

The Tesla Semi uses four independent motors, one for each of the rear wheels, and features an independent front suspension. This design not only contributes to the driving comfort but also adds to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

Driver Experience:

The truck provides a unique driving experience, likened to driving a Tesla passenger car but on a larger scale. It features a single gear, making the ride smoother and easier to manage. The driver sits in a central position, similar to a race car, offering better visibility and control.

Interior and Add-Ons:

The interior of the truck is spacious, equipped with redundant screens and even a small front trunk for additional storage. The speaker contrasts this with the cluttered, difficult-to-use interior of current diesel trucks.

Charging and Energy:

The truck can be charged at the point of origin or destination, often while unloading, eliminating the need to wait for refueling. Tesla plans to install megachargers worldwide, powered by solar energy, to make this process even more efficient and cost-effective.

Safety Features:

Safety is a focal point, with enhanced autopilot capabilities including automatic braking and lane-keeping. In emergency situations, the truck can even call for medical assistance. The low center of gravity due to the floor-based battery pack reduces the risk of rollovers.

Jackknifing Prevention:

One of the most significant safety features is the truck’s ability to prevent jackknifing through dynamic torque adjustment across its independent motors, effectively eliminating a common hazard in truck driving.

Reliability:

Emphasized as crucial, Tesla aims to make the Semi extremely reliable to prevent any downtime that could impact a customer’s business. This reliability is positioned as a key selling point for potential customers.

The presentation effectively highlights Tesla Semi’s innovations aimed at range, efficiency, driver experience, and above all, safety. These factors contribute to its potential as a game-changing product in the trucking industry.

Reliability Focus:

Tesla emphasizes the importance of reliability in their new truck, going as far as to guarantee that it won’t break down for a million miles. This level of reliability is achieved through the use of four independent motors, enabling the truck to keep running even if two motors fail.

Braking System:

A notable feature is the braking system, which converts the kinetic energy generated during braking back into the battery. This not only makes the truck more energy-efficient but also reduces brake wear to a point where brake pads essentially never need replacement.

No Transmission, No Emissions:

The electric truck eliminates the need for a transmission, reducing another potential point of failure. In addition, there are no emissions or differentials, making it environmentally friendly.

Windshield Durability:

One feature that stands out is the so-called “thermonuclear explosion-proof” glass. The hyperbolic term aims to emphasize the windshield’s extreme durability. This is a critical feature since a cracked windshield could ground a truck, leading to lost revenue and delays.

Connectivity and Fleet Management:

Tesla also offers an app that provides comprehensive information about the truck’s status. It offers remote diagnostics and preventative maintenance notifications. When managing a fleet of trucks, this level of data and connectivity is valuable for operational efficiency.

Humor and Guarantees:

Tesla incorporates humor in their presentation, joking that the truck could survive a nuclear explosion—or you get a full refund. Although exaggerated, it emphasizes their confidence in the product’s durability.

Cost Concerns Addressed:

Tesla acknowledges that their products are often perceived as expensive but emphasizes the economics of trucking. The company claims to have thoroughly considered this aspect, factoring in various costs such as leasing, insurance, and maintenance.

Comparative Economics:

Tesla claims that from day one, the Tesla Semi will be economically superior to diesel trucks. Even under worst-case scenarios, such as high gasoline prices, Tesla asserts that a diesel truck will be 20% more expensive per mile. Tesla guarantees a 7-cent kilowatt wholesale price, making these claims based on “real numbers.”

Convoy Technology:

Tesla introduces the concept of “convoy technology,” stating that Tesla trucks in a convoy can operate 10 times safer than human-driven trucks. The technology is ready for deployment now, according to Tesla.

Economics of a Convoy:

Tesla argues that when their trucks operate in a convoy, they become even more cost-effective. In this scenario, diesel trucks become twice as expensive per mile. The company claims this efficiency is so profound that it could even make rail transport economically unviable in comparison.

Production Timeline:

Tesla announces that production will begin in 2019 and that customers who order now will receive their trucks in two years.

Final Remarks:

The speaker concludes by hinting that there is cargo in the showcased truck, adding an element of surprise. This serves as a lead-in for the next segment of the presentation.

Foundation of Tesla:

The Tesla Roadster served as the foundation of Tesla as a company. The Roadster was Tesla’s initial product that catalyzed its growth and laid the groundwork for future models.

Performance Metrics:

Tesla announces a new Roadster, claiming it will be the fastest production car ever made. The base model is expected to go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, marking the first time any car has broken the 2-second threshold for this metric. The quarter-mile time is 8.9 seconds, another world record for a production car.

Speed and Range:

The top speed is not explicitly stated but is said to be above 250 mph. The car will feature a 200-kilowatt-hour battery pack that offers a 620-mile range, the first electric vehicle to break the 1,000-kilometer range. This allows for a round trip between LA and San Francisco without recharging.

Objective and Design:

The new Roadster aims to give a “hardcore smackdown” to gasoline cars. It is designed to make gasoline cars feel obsolete in comparison. The car will have three motors, allowing for all-wheel drive and torque steering. With 10,000 newton-meters of torque, the numbers are described as “stupid” in terms of their high level.

Practicality:

Despite its performance numbers, the new Roadster is designed to be practical. It is a four-seater with a 2+2 configuration, has a removable roof, and offers substantial storage space. This makes the car functional for everyday use and not just a performance vehicle.

Availability:

The new Tesla Roadster is expected to be available in 2020, offering consumers a high-performance, practical electric vehicle that aims to outperform gasoline cars in almost every metric.