I Just Drove the New Tesla Semi, and It Was Several Tons of Fun
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
Tesla’s 2027 Semi, the company’s first production electric Class 8 truck, was driven and showcased at the new Sparks, Nevada factory. The 82,000‑pound vehicle uses three permanent‑magnet motors and 4680 battery cells from GigaTexas, offering a GVWR of 48,800 pounds and a GCWR of 82,000 pounds. The design places batteries low between the frame rails, and the dual‑motor torque‑drive axle engages only when extra torque is needed, while the single‑motor efficiency axle powers the truck at cruising speeds. The test followed a pilot program that began in 2023 with nearly 200 Semi units.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The Semi’s debut signals a tangible shift toward electrified freight, potentially reshaping logistics and reducing diesel dependence in the trucking sector.