EE325 Assignment

New and Renewable Energy Sources

Tesla Semi E-Truck.

Student: Vikram Singh

Serial Number.: A3EE-36
Faculty Number: 16EEB305
Serial No.: 36 Faculty No.: 16EEB305

Introduction
‘Tesla Semi’ fully electrically controlled truck at Tesla coordinated by Jerome Guillen,
Tesla’s former Model S Program Director and VP of Vehicle Engineering. Guillen was
an executive at Daimler where he looked after the the progress of the Cascadia truck
program before coming to Tesla.

The CEO Elon Musk’s ‘Master Plan Part Deux’ constitute the first idea of this program.
Here’s the important part of the ‘Master Plan’:
“In addition to consumer vehicles, there are two other types of electric vehicle needed:
heavy-duty trucks and high passenger-density urban transport. Both are in the early stages
of development at Tesla and should be ready for unveiling next year. We believe the Tesla
Semi will deliver a substantial reduction in the cost of cargo transport, while increasing
safety and making it really fun to operate.”
It was officially unveiled on November 16, 2017.

On November 16 2017, the Tesla semi E-truck was unveiled which was a electrically
powered and having a class 8 and can bring evolution in the future of trucks. The
company confirmed that this truck on a full charge will run for 500 miles (805 km) range
and would run for 400 miles (640 km) with its new batteries after 80% charging done
in 30 minutes with a “Tesla Megacharger”. The truck will also have an autopilot system
which will make the truck semi-autonomous as confirmed by Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk.

Figure 1: Tesla Semi E-Truck

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Figure 2: Inside of the truck

2017 prototype and plans

Musk told that the truck will be driven by four electric motors as used in Tesla Model 3
making it a better truck to carry load and will have a drastic change in the future. The
floor of the cab constitute the two battery system of 300 miles (480 km) and 500 miles
(805 km). The batteries were installed between front and backward wheels. When the
truck will be empty it can run upto 997km. The company told that the truck would have
0–60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds when not loaded and 20 seconds when loaded. The
truck would have a 5% grade maintaining a speed of 65mph. The company guarantees
that it would save a huge amount of fuel and its maintenance is quite simple.

At the center of the cab, there is a place for the driver seat and an extra passenger’s
removable seat. There was also a removable jump wheel. There is also a GPS system on
the two computer displays to provide a better direction and make the ride as comfortable
as possible. There is also a chance of explosion proof wind shield.

The truck would have a semi-autonomous capability with an effective auto pilot system
which is automatic and can prevent accidents in winder and in fog. The extra cameras
and the sensors would help the truck to be in proper direction and do no commit any
of the charge of breaking rules and regulations. The truck will also contain an emer-
gency breaking system that would help in highways while driving. Jackniffing can also be

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prevented using such safety controls and better technology. The truck can also be con-
trolled by a driver removing the usage of technology which in turn save some electricity
and make it an effective alternative for the replacement of other trucks. The truck will
also be checked and confirmed by the government to establish the trucks on road and to
complete Musk’s vision.

Specifications

Acceleration 0-60 mph with 80k lb 20 sec

Speed up a 5% Grade 60 mph

Mile Range 300 or 500 miles

Powertrain 4 Independent Motors

Energy Consumption Less than 2 kWh per 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

Table 1: List of features

Advantages
• Performance
The truck can achieve 0–60 mph in 20 seconds when loaded fully. The four motors
used by the truck helps in quick traction.

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• Safety
The semi-autonomous system and auto pilot would help to cause very less accidents
and it is very safe. The seat in center will provide better view of the road and help
in driving the truck. The driver should be alert when using autonomous system
and should be prepared in case the system failure occurs.

• Low cost of ownership

The use of electric energy will save money and fuels causing a much reduction in
operating cost. The Tesla Semi E-Truck would provide $200,000+ in savings of fuel
and has a low payback period of 2 years.
Electric energy costs are half those of diesel. With fewer systems to maintain, the
Tesla Semi provides $200,000+ in fuel savings and a two-year payback period.

Objective questions
1. What was the official unveiling date of Tesla E-Truck and expected year of produc-
tion?
November 16, 2017 and 2020

2. What is the range of Tesla E-Truck when running empty?

620 miles (997km)

3. How many motors are used in Tesla E-Truck?

Four electric motors

4. What is the expected base price of 300 miles and 500 miles range Tesla E-Truck?
$150,000 and $180,000 respectively

5. What is the acceleration of Tesla E-Truck and time taken to achieve it?
0–60 mph in 20 seconds

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