Tesla has formally delivered its Tesla Semi electrical vans to a uncommon new buyer, who confirmed the truck’s effectivity.
Tesla Semi generally is a tough automobile program to comply with.
The truck was first unveiled in 2017 and it was supposed to enter manufacturing in 2020. It was delayed a number of instances and Tesla ended up unveiling the manufacturing model of its Tesla Semi class 8 electrical truck and delivered the primary models in December 2022.
Nevertheless, Tesla solely had small quantity manufacturing of the truck and began building on an even bigger manufacturing unit to provide the automobile in larger quantity subsequent to Gigafactory Nevada.
Subsequently, for the final two years, Tesla has solely been producing the truck for its personal operations and its principal customer-partner Pepsico.
Quantity manufacturing and wider launch to prospects is anticipated to start out subsequent yr.
That’s why it’s pleasantly shocking to now hear that Tesla has delivered two new Tesla Semi vans to a brand new buyer: Saia.
Saia is a big LTL (lower than truckload) trucking firm working within the US with a fleet of round 5,000 vans.
The corporate introduced in a press launch in the present day:
Saia Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) introduced that Saia LTL Freight has partnered with Tesla to introduce two of the corporate’s first Tesla Semi vans to its fleet. As Saia celebrates its one hundredth anniversary, this collaboration signifies not only a milestone within the provider’s historical past but additionally a daring dedication to the longer term, exploring the newest know-how to raised serve its prospects.
Tesla’s head of the Tesla Semi program, Dan Priestley, confirmed that Saia has been working the vans for greater than a month.
Saia Govt Vice President of Operations Patrick Sugar confirmed that in a take a look at earlier this yr they achieved an effectivity of 1.72 kWh per mile with the Tesla Semi:
“We have been very impressed with the Tesla Semi because it demonstrated a capability to deal with each native and longer haul purposes whereas nonetheless delivering notable energy and effectivity. Throughout an indication earlier this yr, we achieved 1.73 kWh per mile. Our drivers have been equally impressed, noting the sleek acceleration, comfy design, and its capability to take care of speeds on steep inclines, even whereas hauling heavy payloads. This suggestions underscores the big potential of the Tesla Semi.”
Earlier this yr, DHL additionally confirmed this with an effectivity of 1.72 kWh per mile in their very own testing.
That was Tesla’s authentic purpose for the truck, however the automaker additionally lately stated that it now can do some higher with 1.6 kWh per mile.
Electrek’s Take
Since Elon killed the $25,000 Tesla, Tesla Semi has been the automobile program on the automaker that I’ve been probably the most enthusiastic about.
I believe Tesla’s experience in producing electrical autos profitably in excessive volumes ought to translate effectively to class 8 semi vans the place the effectivity may have a good larger affect than within the passenger automotive market per automobile.
It took some time to get there, however it sounds just like the battery tech is now able to attaining the effectivity targets. Now, Tesla simply must deliver this to quantity manufacturing profitably. Not a straightforward job, however Tesla has achieved it earlier than.
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