The trucking industry is undergoing major changes as it transforms from a diesel fuel-based transportation mode to electric-powered. Logistics companies and auto manufacturers are under pressure due to rising TCO and emissions regulation. Increased investment in e-truck infrastructure provides the power to create a viable e-trucking product. The market, projected to grow at a 30% compound annual rate by 2026, shows no signs of slowing down.
About 70% of the freight tonnage moved into the United States goes onto trucks. There are currently more than 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States and more than 3.6 million heavy-duty Class 8 trucks.
The trucking industry is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers with good safety records. The American Trucking Association predicts that overall freight volumes and the total amount of goods moved through the United States via truck will continue to increase well past 2027.
Tesla is currently developing an all-electric heavy-duty truck, with a semi prototype is currently in testing. Regular production versions of the truck will range in price from $130,000 to $180,000. The company’s “Founders Series” version will cost $200,000. Those trucks have a range of 300 to 500 miles. CEO of Tesla Elon Musk says that after just one year of development, he expects the Tesla semis to reach a 600-mile range on electric-only power.
