Tesla revealed the Tesla Semi and there has been a lot of debate about how much the Tesla Semi Tractor (the part that pulls the trailer and cargo) weighs. I calculate that the Tesla Semi tractor weighs about 26,000 lbs versus typical diesel big rigs at 18,000 lbs. A commenter claims they have a Peterbilt Semi tractor that weighs 20,000 lbs.
The Tesla Semi may be able to reach the normal business maximum 46,000 pound cargo load for a 48-foot flatbed trailer. If the Tesla Semi is short then it is at about 44,500-45,000 lbs or so.
The Tesla Semi cargo capacity is not the 12000 lbs cargo or 18,000 lbs cargo accusations of some Elon-hating YouTubers.
The most popular diesel Semi truck in the US with 40% market share is Freightliner. The Freightliner are reported to have more fuel efficiency than their diesel competitors.
BigRigPros reports a Freightliner Cascadia truck reports GVW Gross Vehicle Weight of 52,000 pounds.
The GVW weight of a vehicle means the licensed maximum weight of the vehicle as per the vehicle’s certificate of registration.
The TARE weight of a vehicle means the weight of the vehicle when it is empty or not carrying cargo.
Gross Weight Limit – Tare Weight = Payload
(80,000 lbs Federal Limit) – (35,650 lbs truck weight) = (44,350 lbs load allowed)
The Tesla Semi was shown moving eleven ten-foot concrete barriers that online sites selling the barriers indicate as each weighing 4000 lbs. NOTE- I counted pixels of the screen capture to determine the flatbed trailer was 48 feet long and the barriers were each ten feet long.
Tesla Semi Tare Weight = (82,000 lbs Federal eSemi Limit) – (44,000 lbs load calculated)
Tesla Semi Tare Weight Estimate is 38,000 lbs.
Flatbed trailers, more specifically (which are most commonly a five-axle combination), can legally haul a maximum load weight of 46,000-48,000 pounds. Once your load’s weight exceeds 46,000 pounds, the number of drivers willing to haul it dwindles. Heavier loads are hard on the equipment transporting them and with so many other loads to choose from, many drivers prefer to steer clear of these shipments.
The Tesla Semi seems to be near the cargo limit for Flatbed trailers.
A steel 48-foot flatbed semi-trailer usually weighs around 12,000 pounds. An aluminum 48-foot flatbed trailer typically weighs around 9,200 pounds. A 48-foot van trailer usually weighs around 14,000 pounds.
Big Truck Guide says that the Tare Weight for a typical 5 axle semi truck is approximately:
Tandem Drive Truck Tractor with Sleeper: 18,000 lbs
Van (Box) Trailer 53’ long with 2 axles: 17,650 lbs
Total: 35,650 lbs
If Tesla’s tractor and trailer Tare weight is 38,000 lbs and the steel 48-foot flatbed in 12,000 lbs then the Tesla Tractor weight without sleeper is 26,000 lbs.
Here is a 12 page brochure on the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution.
Tesla and other electric Semi maker get an extra 2000 pounds of maximum total weight. 900 kWh of batteries will weigh a less than 6 tons. A 200 gallon gas tank will weigh about 1 ton. If everything else were equal the electric Semi would be at a 4 ton disadvantage on max cargo.
The 8,000 lb tractor weight difference would be consistent with a 4-ton battery vs fuel tank disadvantage.
Tesla Semi gets within 2000 lbs of the typical flatbed hauling maximum. The Tesla Semi was also moving chains and a log, so the difference may only be 1,000 lbs.
Tesla will be making the batteries about 10% more efficient than the current level. the current level is already 25-40% more efficient than competing electic Semi. Tesla are at 1.7 kWh per mile driven under load versus other electric trucks like the Freightliner eCascadia at 2.1 kWh per mile. Tesla will get to 1.6 kWh per mile and possibly 1.5 kWh per mile. If they choose to get more weight efficient with the same range then they would reduce the batteries by 10-15%. They could remove 2000 lbs of batteries and still have the same range.
Tesla has constantly found ways to reduce the vehicle of their existing electric cars. A structural battery could reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by turning the battery into a structural component.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
