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Will Tesla’s Electric Semi-Truck Make a Significant Impact on the Logistics Industry in 2022?

Will Tesla’s Electric Semi-Truck Make a Significant Impact on the Logistics Industry?

R2 Logistics Tesla Semi Truck

When Elon Musk announced the Tesla semi-truck in 2017, the logistics world was in awe. Simply named “Semi,” this all-electric semi-truck appeared to be a true game-changer for the supply chain and logistics space.

Fast forward five years later, and the Tesla semi-truck is still not commercially available. This has led some to question whether the Tesla semi-truck will actually make a significant impact on the logistics industry.

While the release of the Tesla semi-truck has been delayed due to global supply chain issues, it is still poised to revolutionize the logistics industry.

Key Facts About the Tesla Semi-Truck

Despite the fact that five years have passed since the Tesla semi-truck was unveiled, the electric vehicle manufacturer has provided few updates to the Semi’s performance and pricing data.

According to Tesla, the Semi will be available in two versions. The Semi with a range of 300 miles will be priced at $150,000, while the Semi with a range of 500 miles has a listed price of $180,000.

Both vehicles have a maximum capacity of 80,000lbs of gross vehicle weight (GVW). Unloaded, the Tesla semi-truck can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour in just 5 seconds. 

When hauling a fully loaded trailer, the Semi can achieve a speed of 60 MPH in 20 seconds. The first batch of Tesla Semis should hit the road by late 2022 or Q1 of 2023.

How the Tesla Semi Truck Will Disrupt the Logistics Industry

r2 logistics tesla semi truck shipping

The Tesla Semi is certainly more expensive than a diesel-powered alternative. However, these electric-powered vehicles offer a slew of benefits that make them an appealing option for fleet managers around the world. Tesla semi-trucks:

Promote Sustainability

Organizations worldwide have been exploring ways to adopt sustainable business practices. As part of these efforts, businesses in the logistics and shipping sector need to transition away from fossil fuels. 

The Tesla semi-truck appears to offer a viable means of accomplishing that goal, especially if Tesla creates an expansive mega charger network.

Reduce Fuel Costs

According to Tesla, the Semi can save companies over $200,000 in fuel costs for every 1 million miles traveled. Since the cost of fuel fluctuates throughout the year, this figure can vary. However, eliminating fuel expenses is an excellent cost-saving measure.

Minimize Maintenance Expenses

The Tesla Semi is powered by a series of four electric motors. As a result, it does not have a traditional engine or a transmission. This design feature means that companies can significantly decrease their maintenance expenses by transitioning to the Tesla Semi.

These Tesla Semis are not only far cheaper to maintain, but they will be less prone to breakdowns as well. Less downtime and fewer repairs mean more profitability for both drivers and the companies that they work for.

If a company transitioned their entire fleet to Tesla Semis, they could also reduce the size of their maintenance staff. This headcount reduction would lead to further cost savings.

Improve Safety

The Tesla Semi seats the driver in the center of the cabin. They have easy access to dual touch screen displays that provide GPS guidance, status updates on vehicle performance, and remaining range. In addition, the Tesla Semi is equipped with autopilot technology that will reduce the risk of collisions or traffic accidents.

Every Tesla Semi also has a lower center of gravity. This design feature minimizes the risk of a rollover.

Optimize Delivery Timelines Through Performance

The combination of modern safety features, improved reliability, and leading performance can optimize delivery timelines. Drivers are less likely to experience delays while on the road. In turn, they will be able to consistently reach their destination on schedule so that they can deliver goods to clients. 

Ultimately, optimized delivery capabilities will enhance a company’s reputation while also paving the way for better profit margins.

The Latest from Elon Musk: Mastermind behind the Tesla Semi Truck

tesla semi truck interior

The tesla semi truck has faced many years of delays but as of this September, 2022, Elon Musk has confirmed that the Tesla Semi trucks with 500 miles ranges are finally going to reach customers. 

Tesla has been using these semis for awhile now for their own purposes but it wasn’t until late that they have been promised to reach the consumer. 

Information about this new release first started when new job postings were revealed at Tesla for their “Semi Service Program,” a hint at what was ultimately to come.

It appears that Tesla listed the following locations as to where they are going to be hiring so we’d expect the rollout to happen near or around these cities. This makes sense as Tesla Headquarters are also located in California. The cities hiring for the Tesla Semi Truck are:

For additional information on the Tesla semi truck page such to check out this article, or this one.

How R2 Logistics Can Help You Get the Most out of Emerging Technologies

Vehicles like the Tesla semi-truck are designed to seamlessly integrate with innovative technologies like R2 Logistics’ Transportation Management System

On its own, the Tesla semi-truck will disrupt the logistics industry. However, a forward-thinking third-party logistics provider like R2 Logistics can help your company leverage such groundbreaking tech to gain an edge over your competitors.

To learn more about our TMS solutions and 3PL services, contact R2 Logistics today.

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