Road trips w/ electric vehicles

[DSeid]

Of course the lack of an ICE engine and fuel saves weight. And max weight of loaded truck is capped by law at 36 tons. So what you need to know is a comparison of the Semi unloaded and a fully gassed up regular unloaded truck. If the capacity is significantly less that factors into more loads having to be hauled by x% and offset other potential cost savings.

So here’s an analysis of that. Taking out and putting in.

Most of the current-generation aero line-haul diesel tractors weigh-in at 19,000 lb and carry 700-1,400 miles worth of fuel onboard. To be competitive, Tesla has to weigh-in at no more than 20,000 lb while carrying (from George’s battery pack article) a 9,500 lb, 500-mile-range battery pack. …

…Adding a new electric propulsion system to the stripped-down Class 8 “glider”, we estimate the 500-mile range Tesla semi comes in right around 20,000 lb – the upper limit to guarantee capacity to haul a “regular” payload and trailer without exceeding the Federal 80,000 lb Class 8 weight limit. The 300-mile range version , with a smaller 510-kWh (estimated) battery pack, weighs in at a slim 16,000 pounds . Almost light enough for welterweight.