A new report indicates that the Tesla electric semi truck set to make its debut next month will be able to travel up to 300 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Truck Rumored To Be Designed For Regional Delivery, Not Long Haul
The news comes courtesy of Scott Perry of Ryder System, who apparently got the tip after touring the Tesla manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, according to Reuters.
Exclusive: Tesla’s ‘long-haul’ electric truck aims for 200 to 300 miles on a charge https://t.co/cxaSa510JS pic.twitter.com/O0kG7ovYTr
— Reuters Science News (@ReutersScience) August 25, 2017
Perry says that Tesla’s current focus is on manufacturing a day cab style truck for regional hauling, though he says Tesla may expand into models better designed for long haul trucking in the future.
Tesla has refused to comment on Perry’s statement.
Though Tesla founder Elon Musk at one point promised that his electric semi would be fun to drive, the latest report indicates that he is pursuing self-driving technology for the new trucks.
Many industry experts have been skeptical about the use of electric truck technology in a long haul capacity because of the size and weight of the battery that would be needed to propel the truck.
Other Manufacturers Compete In Electric Truck Market
The Tesla semi is set to make its debut on September 28.
Electric truck manufacturing competitor Nikola, on the other hand appears to be poised to make the move into longer hauls. Nikola’s hydrogen powered semi has a sleeper berth and promises to move 800 -1200 miles on a 15 minute charge.
Daimler’s current focus is on developing an electric delivery truck with a range of 100 miles that could haul 9400 pounds.