Tesla’s Semi truck is making waves at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover, showcasing impressive efficiency and range capabilities. Brian Basson reported on X that Dan Priestley, Tesla’s Semi lead, presented key findings from the electric truck’s performance so far.

Efficiency Exceeds Expectations

The Tesla Semi fleet is proving to be even more efficient than initially predicted. Priestley revealed that the trucks are achieving an efficiency of 1.6 kWh per mile, bettering Tesla’s earlier estimate of 1.7 kWh per mile. This translates to 100 kWh of energy consumption to travel 100 km (62 miles).

Impressive Range and Mileage

Priestley highlighted that the Tesla Semi can travel up to 1,700 km (1,056 miles) in a single day. This range is comparable to diesel trucks, making a strong case for the Semi as a one-for-one replacement for traditional Class 8 trucks.

The Semi fleet has already covered significant ground:

7.5 million miles driven collectively
A single truck has logged 250,000 miles (400,000 km) over the past 1.5 years

Reliability and Uptime

Tesla is seeing 95% uptime with the Semi trucks, a crucial factor for trucking companies where downtime directly impacts profitability.

Tackling Tough Terrain

The presentation included a graph titled “Heavy Lifting up Serious Grades,” demonstrating the Semi’s capability to handle challenging elevations:

Tejon Pass: 1,268 m
Donner Pass: 2,203 m

Tesla Semi Impresses With Efficiency And Range At Iaa Transportation Show — Tesla Semi Impresses with Efficiency and Range at IAA Transportation Show

Industry Impact

Tesla’s Semi is on display at two different halls at the IAA in Hannover. Priestley is scheduled for a keynote speech on Sept. 17 and will discuss “Scaling Semi Electrification: A Case Study with PepsiCo” on Sept. 18.

Here is today's full presentation from @Tesla's head of Semi engineering, Dan Priestley. He gives some updates on their own Semi fleet, what they are seeing in the field & Semi charging. He'll be giving another presentation tomorrow on their PepsiCo case study. pic.twitter.com/E9mXByI8r7
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 17, 2024

EVXL’s Take

Tesla’s Semi performance data is turning heads in the trucking industry. The efficiency and range figures are particularly impressive, potentially setting new standards for electric long-haul transportation. This aligns with Tesla’s ongoing innovations in the EV space, as we’ve seen with their consumer vehicles.

The collaboration with PepsiCo also signals growing interest from major corporations in electrifying their fleets, which could accelerate the adoption of electric semi-trucks across various industries.

What’s your take on Tesla’s Semi performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of Brian Basson.