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New Renderings of Tesla Electric Semi-Truck

By Zlatan Stankovic on October 16, 2017

If you’ve been paying attention to the industry in recent weeks and months, you’ll know the buzz that’s been building around the new Tesla electric semi-truck. Elon Musk, company CEO, first revealed news for the model in 2016 and the rumors have been swirling ever since. However, we’re getting closer and closer to a full reveal and a leak last week might just have seen us enjoy the makings of the model for the first time.

With the leaks and smaller pieces of information we’ve been given, most of us have just given them a brief smile before then getting on with our day but not the good people at Peisert Design…oh no. Instead, they’ve used the information to come up with an imagination of the vehicle and it looks immaculate. In the past, this particular design company has been responsible for all sorts of renderings including the previous Tesla Semi, Mercedes-AMG Project One, and the Tesla Roadster.

With the ‘leaked’ photos at hand, the company used this as a reference point before then filling the blanks in areas where information was limited. Compared to other large semis we’ve seen in the past, this Tesla has a sleek appearance and the designers have allowed us to see the difference between this and the Nikola One; in addition to a comparison with their previous concept from the beginning of 2017.

When you see the images initially, it’s clear to see there are some important features missing and this allows us to keep our minds in check and realize it’s only a concept. For example, there are no door handles nor are there any side mirrors. Despite this, it has a smooth appearance and it looks more futuristic than other concepts we’ve seen in recent times.

In terms of the release, experts believe a full reveal will be coming on November 16 which is a little later than the original October 26 but they certainly know how to keep an audience suspended. Of course, the delay has actually been caused, in part, by the Model 3. When the debut finally happens, there are some reported semiautonomous capabilities and the semi-truck will reach up to 300 miles on a single charge.

In case you’re hoping to see the semi-truck up close and personal, unfortunately the reveal is taking place at an invite-only event in California. The guest list has been carefully crafted and it’s believed every invitee will get to take the semi-truck for a short drive as well as seeing it and all its features for the first time. According to Musk, test drives have been promised when it debuts so this is fantastic news.

If you’ve not seen the YouTube channel for Peisert Design before, we highly recommend it since they post videos showing you around all the renderings they create and it makes for a great experience. Sometimes, pictures don’t do it justice so these videos allow you to get the full picture and beauty of the models. In the past few months, they’ve posted concepts for the BMW Z4, Mercedes-AMG Project One, 2020 Audi RS8, Range Rover Q, and a whole lot more.

Tesla Range 2017/2018

With all this talk surrounding Tesla and one of their new models, it’s perhaps the perfect time to reflect on the history of the brand and the current models they have available. Since their launch in 2003, they’ve been seen as a key leader in the electric vehicle market. Based in California, they’ve made huge strides within the electric vehicle market while also finding a place within other industries such as energy storage and solar panels. Overall, their aim is to help the planet with sustainable solutions and it doesn’t take long to recognize this.

In 2008, they became the first car manufacturer to produce an electric sports car, the Roadster, and they’ve only been making progress ever since. Soon after, the Model S, a luxury sedan, hit the market and it’s won several awards since. After the Nissan Leaf, the Model S is the second-highest selling plug-in vehicle in history.

What models are available right now? Let’s take a look!

2018 Model 3

With around 215 miles per charge, the Model 3 is an electric sports sedan but it’s affordable and this is why it has attracted so much attention through the years. In 2018, experts are expecting larger batteries to extend the milage per charge and it’ll also have more pace than ever before. According to Tesla, the Model 3 will take just 5.6 seconds to reach 60mph and this is a significant improvement to what we’ve seen in the past.

In the future, the Autopilot system from Tesla is expected to make even more appearances in their models and the Model 3 will benefit from this. As of right now, there aren't too many more details regarding the model but it’s certainly going to get people talking when it’s released next year.

If we look towards the basics of the 2017 edition, the vehicle has four doors, enough room for five passengers, rear-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission. Therefore, we can see it’s practical as well as offering performance. Of course, performance isn't the main aim of this particular vehicle because they have others for that. However, the improvements we see next year will push this model forward more than we’ve seen in recent years.

2017 Model S

Just this year, the Model S was updated and now it can reach nearly 340 miles on just one charge; the ‘Ludicrous’ mode is the icing on the very special cake. In recent tests, the vehicle reached 60mph in just 2.8 seconds; half the time of the Model 3 we’ve just seen. Of course, they’re both very different models but perhaps it shows the difference in power and design.

For a more affordable solution, there is a lower-spec option and this comes with reduced features and driving ranges. With the top option, however, the many features make the car a dream to drive including a state-of-the-art air filter that protects all occupants from pollutants and bioweapons. Once again, Autopilot is also becoming ever-more present in all Tesla models and this is only set to grow as time goes on.

In terms of the basics, the Model S offers four doors, all-wheel drive, 792 lb-ft torque, automatic transmission, 94 cubic feet of space, and it comes in weighing just under 5,000 pounds. In terms of finding the balance between performance and the environment, the Model S seems to reduce the gap somewhat and Tesla is entering ground we never thought possible.

2017 Model X

Finally, we have perhaps the ‘greenest’ vehicle on the planet and there are several benefits to choosing it too. Not only can it reach up to 295 miles per charge, it offers over 530 horsepower, has a top speed of 130mph, options of between 75D and P100D, and can carry seven people wherever you need to go.

Recently, the P90D version was tested on a track and it managed to reach 60mph in 3.3 seconds and this is respectable. This being said, Tesla believe the P100D has done it at 2.9 with the right person at the wheel and this is nothing short of impressive. If you’re looking for the most practical option possible, look no further than the Model X because it boasts a high-tech cabin, all-wheel drive, and supreme Falcon Wing doors. With ample space for occupants and their luggage, this really is one of the most practical electric models you’ll find anywhere.

For one last time, we should also mention the Autopilot system because this is now offering semi-autonomous driving and it’s an option on the Model X.

Summary

With all three of the available options, you can see the diversity on show. Depending on which model you choose, you can have performance, function, or a combination of the two. As time goes on and the technology available becomes more advanced, the models are only going to improve and become more valuable to the world. Currently, Autopilot is the best example of this and they’re moving closer to a fully-autonomous experience. Although they’ve admitted legal, technical, and regulatory hurdles, they still have plans to demonstrate the self-driving experience before the beginning of 2018. What’s more, they want to enable the whole system and have it available for drivers (or passengers, as the case may soon be) in 2019.

In the grand scheme of things, the production and development phase for this system has been incredibly fast. Let’s not forget, Autopilot was only introduced towards the end of 2014 which means it’s only been three years and they’re already planning demonstrations and releases. As well as the work of the company itself, this also pays testament to the advancements in the industry as a whole.

Upon its release, Autopilot was available for the Model S before then being added to the Model X after released. As long as the customer ordered the ‘tech package’ for $2,500, they could benefit from semi-autonomous parking and drive capabilities. Initially, the software was being developed thanks to a partnership with Mobileye, a subsidiary of Intel, but this relationship actually ended in 2016.

Despite the progress, there has been some setbacks with one of the largest coming when Tesla had to remove certain self-driving features. With drivers ‘engaging in risky behavior’, the automakers were forced to take a step back and this perhaps shows they were working too fast for the industry. With a lack of information regarding how the systems work, perhaps the safe practices weren’t yet in place. However, this didn't hold them back and they’ve been making progress ever since.

To avoid a repeat, Tesla will certainly be hoping the public is ready for 2019 and their Autopilot system and this is an interesting point in itself. According to Elon Musk, drivers will be able to ‘sleep in their Tesla’ until the vehicle arrives at the destination. As we make the switchover from drivers to driverless vehicles, there’s going to be a period of mass confusion and it might just be that the first fully-autonomous models have a role to play in the future success of all fully-autonomous vehicles. If this is the case, all eyes are going to be on Tesla and their fantastic products in the years ahead!

Tags: TeslaTesla Model STesla RoadsterTesla Model Xautonomous carsElectric CarsTechnologyTrucks