TESLA SEMI EVENT, LORDSTOWN ENDURANCE AND BMW'S BETTER BATTERY

EV Channels Review

The Tesla Semi has officially entered production, five years after its initial reveal. The delivery event showcased a truck with a powertrain utilizing components from the Plaid model, featuring three electric motors on a 1000-volt system. While the exterior and interior remain largely unchanged, the powertrain's efficiency is highlighted, with Tesla claiming a 500-mile range with a full 82,000-pound load. The discussion also touched upon the Semi sharing its Megacharger connector and 1000-volt architecture with the upcoming Cybertruck, suggesting potential for faster charging. However, concerns were raised regarding the Semi's real-world range, especially under varied conditions and speeds, with estimates suggesting a more conservative 300-mile range for typical trucking operations. The conversation also briefly covered the Lordstown Endurance's certification and BMW's upcoming 'new class' platform with Gen 6 batteries, emphasizing improved energy density and reduced costs.