Tesla is just a few weeks away from kicking off deliveries of their electric Semi. Ahead of that milestone moment, one of the class 8 electric trucks has been spotted undergoing some final testing in Nevada.
The Semi was spotted hauling a trailer in Silver Springs, just a short 30 minute drive from Giga Nevada, where the Semi is currently being built.
What makes the video impressive is how effortlessly the Semi pulls away from a complete stop.
If you have ever seen a traditional diesel semi accelerate, it is extremely slow as the driver shifts through multiple gears in quick succession.
For the Semi, the acceleration is effortless and smooth, thanks to its three independent electric motors which provide instant torque.
More Tesla semi fun. Round-about Silver Springs. @TSLAFanMtl @DriveTeslaca @ICannot_Enough @WholeMarsBlog @jeremyjudkins_ pic.twitter.com/IrI8ymE7hy
— Zanegler (@HinrichsZane) October 30, 2022
According to Tesla, their Semi can reach 60mph in 20 seconds while fully loaded, which it says is 82.000lbs Gross Combination Weight.
Given how quickly this particular Semi accelerates through the roundabout, the trailer is likely empty or has very little weight inside.
All that weight when it is fully loaded is obviously going to have an impact on range, but Tesla is packing a lot of their 2170 battery cells into the Semi, enabling it to travel 500 miles (804km) on a full charge.
The first Tesla Semi deliveries will take place on December 1, with several units being handed over to PepsiCo. Tesla hasn’t said if there will be a livestream for the delivery event, but Elon Musk has said he will personally be there for it.
The trucks will be put to work at two of PepsiCo’s facilities in California.
Tesla shuts down orders for Semi, updates website with impressive specs ahead of first deliveries
