Tesla Semi 500 mile range claims tested

The 500 miles (804 km) range of upcoming Tesla Semi Class 8 electric semi range has been tested in real-world tests.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in October that the range of the Tesla Semi was calculated with cargo – “Just to be clear, 500 miles with the cargo on level ground.”

In the most recent tweet, the company’s boss wrote that a Tesla Semi completed a 500-mile drive weighing in at 81,000 lbs, which is almost 100% of its Gross Combination Weight (GCW) of 82,000 lbs (37,195 kg).

We test run was to confirm the key parameter ahead of the first customer deliveries, which are scheduled for December 1.

Well, there is no reason to doubt the result, although it would be nice to also hear some details about the speed and energy consumption. We are really eager to see some independent tests of the vehicle.

According to Tesla, the energy consumption of the Semi is lower than 2 kWh/mile (1.24 kWh/km). At 500 miles of range, the battery capacity would be lower than 1,000 kWh (1 MWh).

The company currently produces the Tesla Semi in Reno, Nevada and aims to quickly ramp up production to 50,000 units per year, at some point in 2024. That would be more than 100 vehicles per day, on average, and enough to make Tesla one of the largest Class 8 truck manufacturers in North America with Europe and UK deliveries planned for 2025.

However, the initial rate might be much lower. One of the reports indicated 100 units in 2022.