1: It’s quick
The Tesla truck is capable of achieving 0-60mph in a mere five seconds – that’s faster than a regular hot hatch, so a production lorry accelerating in this manner is completely unheard of. What’s more, it’ll still complete the sprint to 60mph in 20 seconds when it’s towing a 36-tonne trailer.
2: It’s made from unusual materials… for a truck
Aiding the incredible acceleration figures are the lightweight materials that have been used to build the Tesla truck. The cab is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, which is both extremely light and highly durable. With weight being an obvious hindrance to the performance of any lorry, this will undoubtedly be a game-changer.
3: It can go the distance
One of the biggest barriers in the way of a general uptake of electric vehicles is range anxiety. Of course, if people driving ordinary cars on everyday journeys are worried about how far they can go before having to recharge, then that’s going to be a huge concern for lorry drivers. Fortunately, Tesla has thought of this, claiming that its new lorry can go 500 miles on a single charge.
4: It has an almost unique driving position
It’s not often that one can compare the qualities of the iconic McLaren F1 hypercar with that of a lorry, but in this case, we can. The Tesla truck features a central driving position, just like the 240mph British barnstormer from the 1990s. It will be interesting to see if this makes the lives of lorry drivers any easier with regards to visibility.
5: It’s filled with cutting-edge tech
As you would expect from a Tesla, the American manufacturer’s new lorry comes brimming with the latest technology. The most prominent is the autonomous driving capability, which prevents the truck from jack-knifing with its own trailer. There’s also a semi-autonomous braking feature, which will prove especially useful for lorry drivers who are becoming tired towards the end of a long drive.
6: There’s some unusual safety precautions
The Tesla truck’s windscreen is made from a special impact resistance glass. This will protect the driver in the event of a collision, as well as shielding them from any explosions should the worst happen when a flammable substance is being transported.
7: Recharging is faster than you might expect
According to Tesla, lorry drivers needn’t worry when their 500 miles range runs out. At one of the company’s super-fast charging points, 400 miles of range can be added on to the vehicle in just 30 minutes. It may not be as quick as a stop at the fuel pump, but chances are that after 500 miles of driving, the trucker will need a half hour rest break.
8: They’re being snapped up already
It looks as though this new lorry could be just the boost that Tesla needs, with companies already placing orders. According to a Bloomberg report, Meijer, a grocery store chain based in Michigan, USA, has put deposits down on four of the lorries, at a rate of $5,000 (approx. £3,770) each. This is because the company sees electricity as a cheaper means of fuelling its vehicles than diesel.