At a recent event, Tesla introduced its new electric truck, the Tesla Semi, and the Tesla Roadster it calls the world’s fastest production car.
Tesla pitches the Semi as the most comfortable and safest truck built so far. Four independent motors deliver strong power and acceleration while keeping energy costs down. According to Elon Musk, an empty Semi can hit 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, or about 20 seconds when loaded. Range is quoted between 480 and 800 kilometers.
Advanced Autopilot is meant to help prevent crashes, and a center-mounted driver’s seat aims for a wide field of view and control.
Musk calls the Roadster the fastest series-production car to date. It is said to reach 0-100 km/h in 1.9 seconds, with a top speed around 400 km/h. He claims roughly 1,000 kilometers on a single charge. Base price is set at $200,000, with a $50,000 reservation deposit. Tesla says the Roadster should reach roads from 2020.
To charge the Semi’s large packs, Tesla plans megacharger stations that are far more powerful than its Superchargers for cars, and aims to roll them out worldwide, powered by solar. Timing, locations, and fees are not public yet. Musk said Semi production should begin in 2019.
