Independent Testing Reveals Real-World Range of Tesla Semi

The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) is currently conducting the Run On Less Electric Depot, an event aimed at gathering real-world data from various electric freight vehicles to facilitate a seamless transition to electrification. The event has already provided valuable insights into the range capabilities of the Tesla Semi, shedding light on important details that have remained undisclosed by Tesla.

Since Tesla began delivering the Semi nearly a year ago, information regarding the battery size, maximum range, and power output of the vehicle has been limited. However, the recent independent testing conducted by NACFE has provided some interesting findings.

Tesla initially claimed that the Semi would have a range of 500 miles (805 km) and would consume only two kWh of energy per mile. The data collected during the Run On Less Electric Depot suggests that under favorable conditions, the Tesla Semi can indeed achieve a range of 500 miles on a single charge.

During the first two days of testing, three Tesla Semi trucks showcased impressive performance. On day one, truck one traveled 416 miles (670 km) and ended the day with just over 18 percent battery capacity remaining. On day two, it covered a distance of 406 miles (654 km) and finished with over seven percent battery capacity.

Truck two achieved a range of 376 miles (605 km) on day one, with just over 15 percent battery life remaining. On day two, it traveled 223 miles (359 km) and concluded the journey with 48 percent battery capacity. The third Tesla Semi had its most significant achievement on day one, covering a distance of 545 miles (877 km). However, it did require a mid-way charge after depleting almost all of its battery after 377 miles (607 km). On day two, it traveled 410 miles (660 km) and had just over 18 percent battery capacity remaining.

These results indicate that the Tesla Semi is a highly capable freight-hauling machine, particularly for single-day trips. However, it is crucial to consider various factors that can affect the range, such as temperature, elevation, and traffic. Each team participating in the testing is running different routes with varying freight and stops, making it unfair to compare their performances directly.

The NACFE’s Run On Less Electric Depot aims to provide valuable insights into the real-world capabilities of electric freight vehicles. By collecting data from various vehicles, including the Tesla Semi, the event contributes to the development of a more efficient and sustainable transportation industry.

As the transition to electrification continues to gain momentum, understanding the range and performance of electric vehicles becomes increasingly important. The data collected during this testing event will help fleet operators and logistics companies make informed decisions regarding the adoption of electric freight vehicles.

The Tesla Semi has the potential to revolutionize the freight industry with its impressive range and energy efficiency. As more independent testing and real-world data become available, it will be interesting to see how the Tesla Semi compares to other electric freight vehicles in terms of performance and practicality.

In conclusion, the recent independent testing conducted by NACFE has revealed that the Tesla Semi can achieve a range of 500 miles under favorable conditions. The data collected during the Run On Less Electric Depot provides valuable insights into the real-world capabilities of the Tesla Semi, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in the freight industry. As the transition to electrification continues, this information will be crucial for fleet operators and logistics companies looking to embrace sustainable transportation solutions.