Tesla Getting Set To Unveil Pickup, Semi Truck
Following earlier social media buzz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted last month that the company is planning to unveil a semi truck in September, as well as a pickup truck in the next 18 to 24 months. The big truck was first hinted at last July when Musk unveiled his "Master Plan, Part Deux." He had previously expressed interest in a pickup several years ago, about the same time Tesla began searching for a site for its Gigafactory battery plant.
A Tesla spokesperson stated that there would be no additional information beyond what Musk had already tweeted. But the Tesla Master Plan released last July stated that the company "believe(s) the Tesla Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport while increasing safety and making it really fun to operate."
Tesla isn't the only brand looking to develop an electric semi truck. Salt Lake City-based startup Nikola Motor Co. recently unveiled a truck fueled by a hydrogen fuel cell system and Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner, unveiled their prototype of a battery-powered truck last November.
As for the pickup, Tesla first began dropping hints about developing such a vehicle when they began looking for a Gigafactory site. However, this was perceived as a publicity stunt at the time, as one of the finalists for the plant was a site in Texas, the nation's largest pickup market.
Range and charging times could prove to be a hurdle for both vehicles. It is likely that Tesla will use a platform similar to what is underneath its current Models S and X passenger cars, a skateboard-style design with the battery pack in its floorboards.
However, Musk has hinted at the idea of utilizing swappable batteries, which would eliminate the need for motorists to wait while their vehicle is being recharged.
Both the semi truck and pickup are set to be unveiled after the final production-ready version of the Tesla Model 3, which Musk has confirmed will be in July of this year -- around the same time the car is set to enter production.
NAFA Fleet Management Association
http://www.nafa.org/