Tesla Semi Trucks Are A Real Thing, Walmart Plans To Test Them
2 min readTesla has unveiled their line of electric Semi trucks, with the expectation that they will become the new standard for reducing emissions. The truck was designed from the ground up, and will feature a rechargeable battery instead of diesel fuel. The cab features a single driver seat, anchored in the center of the windshield to provide for better visibility. Tesla also claims that the windshield is made from high impact glass, and manually opening side windows for convenience. From the sounds of things, not only will the truck be a “green” vehicle, but will also be extremely safe.
Walmart has announced their intention to become one of the first companies to test Tesla’s electric semi trucks. They plan to test the trucks in both the US and Canada, in hopes of achieving their “long-term sustainability goals.”
As a whole, this could tremendously help Tesla in terms of expanding the footprint of their electric semi fleet. As many companies look to cut the cost of operating traditional semi truck fleets, Tesla is stepping in with the perfect solution. While they haven’t gone on record yet with the official figures as far as cost, they have stated that it is well “below that of diesel class 8 vehicles.”
In addition to cutting costs, these new electric trucks could also assist companies in lowering their emissions and in turn, their impact on our ecosystem. Tesla’s trucks are rumored to run about 500 miles between charges, thus reducing the inconvenience of having to eventually recharge. Owner/operators who plan on adopting these trucks will almost immediately see a decrease in operating revenue with electric as well.
A company as large as Walmart talking up Tesla’s semi fleet will do nothing but generate more business for Elon Musk and co. The biggest hurdle they still have to climb though, will be convincing the smaller companies to hop aboard with them.