Perhaps, you’ve been seeing more and more electric cars on the highway and you’ve started to notice that there are more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations around your city. These days, these stations have become available near malls, movie theaters, apartment complexes, and more places. In New York alone, the local government and the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) has aimed to build over 2,000 more EV charging stations this 2018.
There are many good reasons why more municipalities and businesses are investing in more EV charging stations. They see electric vehicles as the future of the transportation industry. These cars are starting to become more popular more than ever.
Tesla Semi: Elon Musk’s Great Contribution to the Freight Industry
It is evident that electric vehicle technology has reached the freight industry. This has become clear when Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk introduced what could be a game-changer in the transport industry. Musk claimed that the Semi is a Tesla truck/semi-tractor that can make highways cleaner, safer, and faster.
Packed with advanced safety features and an autopilot technology, the Tesla Semi is expected to provide several benefits to the consumers and the environment. Aside from being autonomous, it can also drive with other Tesla trucks, creating a fleet of semis running close together.
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that Tesla is not the only automaker investing on high-tech trucks. Auto bigwigs like Volvo and Daimler are also working towards developing their own version of an all-electric truck. Moreover, Tesla competitor Uber is developing software for self-driving trucks. So, it is likely that we’d see more electric trucks in the future.
Why Tesla Semi is Idea for the Freight Industry
More and more companies are investing in developing self-driving trucks. This is because the technology can potentially lower crashes, pollution, consumer goods prices, and stress for everyone on the road. As such, the freight industry has started to take interest in autonomous trucks. As a matter of fact, there are many companies around the world who have pre-ordered the Tesla Semi.
A huge percentage of those companies come from food and beverage distributors. Anheuser-Busch has placed an order for 40 Tesla Semi while Pepsico has pre-ordered 100. On the other hand, restaurant supplier Sysco expects to get 50 units and Canada’s Loblaw’s wants 25.
Why is this industry particularly interested in electric trucks? According to Jon Samson, Executive Director of the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference, most of the companies looking at buying the Tesla Semi are focused on moving products on a short-haul basis. They won’t have to deal with diesel fuel and there would be charging stations while the trucks go back and forth.
It is worth noting that diesel fuel takes a significant percentage of trucking companies’ operating expenses. Tesla claims that a fully electric Semi will offer lower operating costs per mile. On the other hand, we shouldn’t discount the fact that companies have to spend significantly more in buying a Tesla as compared to purchasing a diesel rig.
How Much Does a Tesla Semi Cost?
According to Tesla, the base price for a Semi with a 300-mile range will be priced at least $150,000. The 500-mile range will be offered from at least $180,000. To reserve a unit, you’d have to pay $20,000.
Would you invest in a Tesla Semi?
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