Tesla unveiled their all-electric battery-powered class 8 semi-truck prototype in November 2017 with plans to launch the product in 2019. But despite large companies such as Walmart Inc. and Pepsi Co Inc. who’ve already placed orders for the truck, many industry veterans are doubtful such electric trucks will realistically replace their diesel counterparts. Here are both sides of the argument.
PROS
There are many advantages and disadvantages that Tesla’s (and other manufacturers’) electric trucks have over diesel. One advantage is they’ll require less maintenance. According to the Wall Street Journal, “Tesla calculates that operating a diesel truck will be at least 20% more expensive than operating a Tesla truck when taking into account all costs, including lease payments, insurance, and maintenance.” In addition to cost savings, these electric trucks come “outfitted with Tesla’s so-called Enhanced Autopilot, which includes semi-autonomous driving features such as automatic emergency braking and automatic lane keeping ability.”
Tesla’s technological “day cab” Semis are reportedly doing away with the two-seat cockpit found in most trucks along with getting rid of traditional dashboard gauges. Instead, the driver’s seat will likely be centered in the middle of the vehicle between two 15-inch display touch screens. Additionally, “the vehicle comes with the ability to directly integrate with a trucking company’s fleet management system for routing and scheduling.” And last but not least, they’ll curb air pollution. Greenhouse gases emitted by medium- and heavy-duty trucks increased 85% from 1990 to 2016. Oh, and the aerodynamic shape of the cab will likely reduce air resistance by 50 percent compared with typical trucks.
CONS
The first disadvantage such electric trucks can’t shake is their limited range. Experts expect the Tesla truck’s range to be 300-450 miles on a charge and long-haul trucks drive up to 500 to 600 miles per day. Tesla is working to create a network of “megacharging” stations that can recharge a truck in 30 minutes, but for truckers paid by the mile, waiting more than 30 minutes for a charge is not desirable. Another big disadvantage is simply all the unknowns that remain. Who will provide insurance, and who will offer warranties on the engine or body? What will the initial cost be and who will finance and repair them?
No one knows how quick the adoption of electric and autonomous trucks will be, but most can agree that the future of trucking will be different than the today of trucking. Learn more about Tesla’s electric truck and their long road to unseat diesel engines in the links below.