Tesla reveals Semi pricing

Three models will be available starting at $US150k

Following the super-hyped launch of the Tesla Semi this month, the electric-vehicle company has released pricing for its full-size truck.

Pricing has been divided between three models – the ‘base’ 300-mile (482km) range truck and the 500-mile (805km) range truck with a limited edition Founders Series model topping out the range.

According to the Tesla website, the 300-mile model will sell for $US150,000, the 500-mile truck will be $US180,000 and the Founders Series will be $US200,000.

Tesla has been taking deposits for the Semi for some time now and previously a deposit of $US5000 would secure you a spot on the waiting list.

Following the launch the deposit has ballooned to $US20k while the cash required to get you on the reserved list for the Founders Series is the full price of $US200k.

According to many sites in the US, the cost of a regular diesel prime mover in America is between $80k and $150k.

However, Elon Musk was quick to point out that running costs would more than balance the economic equation saying that to use a diesel truck rather than on of his electric ones would be “economic suicide”.

“It’s not just economic suicide to use one diesel truck,” he said. “It’s economic suicide for rail. This beats rail.”

Musk said that the cost of running a Tesla Semi on a per-mile basis would be 85 cents compared to a diesel truck which he quoted at an average cost of $1.51 per mile.

Musk maintained that over the life of the truck, operators would save over $US200,000 in running costs and, in his usual style, said that his trucks “won’t break down for a million miles”.

Tesla Semi Specs:

Acceleration: Zero to 60 mph loaded 20 seconds

Speed up a five per cent grade: 65 mph

Range: 300 or 500 miles

Powertrain: Four independent motors on rear axles

Energy Consumption: Less than 2 kWh/mile

Fuel Savings: $200,000+

Expected Base Price: (300 mile range) $150,000

Expected Base Price: (500 mile range) $180,000

Base Reservation: $20,000

Expected Founders Series Price: $200,000

Founders Series Reservation: $200,000

All prices in USD. International pricing will vary.

Tesla reveals Semi pricing

Tags