Tesla’s Semi truck is coming to Europe soon
Car changing is a big deal
Full details of the European-spec Tesla Semi will be confirmed later this year, but we can expect to get the electric lorry in the UK at the same time as continental Europe.
Tesla has confirmed that the Semi is coming to Europe. The all-electric lorry cab promises better performance and lower operating costs compared with traditional diesel-powered trucks.
Unlike other Tesla models, the Semi should go on sale in the UK at the same time as the rest of Europe. That’s because the Semi has a central driving position to improve visibility, so there’s no wait for right-hand drive models to be built.
Full details of the European specification will not be revealed until the IAA Transportation show in Germany next month, but it’s unlikely to differ greatly for the US version.
That means three electric motors that make over 1,000hp and a huge battery offering a range of about 340 miles, though this is likely to drop significantly with a heavy load.
Tesla says you can add 60% of range in 30 minutes at one of its Semi Chargers. In the US, businesses can install two types of charger to top up the Semi’s battery, with the Megacharger allowing these ultra-fast top up times. The Basecharger offers lower charging speeds (which helps with battery longevity) and are designed to be plugged in overnight.
The Semi’s interior looks similar to Tesla’s car line-up, but here you get a pair of large touchscreens flanking a central driving position. These incorporate the camera feed from the side mirrors as well as the usual infotainment features such as climate controls and maps.
Electric lorries are not a new concept in Europe. Volvo has various models, with the FH series most comparable to the Tesla Semi, while Mercedes has the eActros. Each has remarkably similar range specifications to the American newcomer, though none has the monstrous power.
Tesla’s Supercharger network, which EV drivers consistently vote to be the best in the UK, has long been a selling point for Tesla’s electric cars. If the Semi chargers can be easily and affordably installed by operators, that’s likely to be a great incentive for haulage firms to make the switch.
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