Tesla's long-delayed Semi just took a major step toward becoming a practical reality. As CNET reports, the automaker has begun taking reservations for project . You'll need to put down $20,000 (of which $15,000 is by wire transfer), and Tesla has yet to narrow down the release date beyond the expected 2023 production window. Still, that's remarkable when early pledges for the vehicles have largely been limited to large orders from companies like PepsiCo and Walmart.
The Semi was unveiled in 2017 alongside the second-generation Roadster. The machine was intended to upgrade conventional trucks with a 500-mile maximum range, quick “Megacharger” refueling, and a 0-60 MPH time of 20 seconds with a payload of 80,000 pounds. It’s still expected to start at $150,000, making it potentially viable for companies that want intra-city haulers without the usual fuel costs or environmental impact.
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As with the new Roadster, though, the launch didn’t go according to plan. Tesla has delayed the Semi multiple times, most recently to address chip shortages and limited production capacity for the necessary 4680 batteries. Reservations at this stage are less about imminent delivery and more about confirming future revenue, just as Cybertruck (estimated at 1.3 million as of November 2021) helped Tesla secure billions in revenue once the vehicle was available.
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Tesla doesn't have to worry too much about the wait, though. Rival Nikola is just ramping up production of its electric semi-truck, and established brands like Freightliner haven't had much success with their electric vehicles. The Semi will continue to enter a relatively new sector with advantages in both name recognition and technology.
Source: engadget.com
