Text by Dino Ray V. Directo III
When it was unveiled last week, the design of the Semi had the stamp of Franz von Holzhausen all over it and from afar, the truck was unmistakably a TESLA. Elon Musk, CEO of TESLA described it as the beast, and despite its mass, the Semi shares a number of parts with the Model 3, including the motor, handles and the display screen.
In a press brief from TESLA, the media were given a first hand look of how future rigs will look like. The can has an angled windshield with a singular wiper which is similar with the Tesla Roadster prototype which was unveiled also during the event. The shiny door handles of the Semi can also be found on the Model 3. Unlike conventional trucks with built in steps to enter the cabin, the Semi’s door is long and low and steps are revealed once you open the massive doors. A long handle helps you up the cabin which is essentially divided into two areas. What sets this Semi apart from the current generation of commercial vehicles is the cabin space, with the ceiling high enough for a person to stand upright. Towards the front of the cab is a central captain’s chair that is flanked by two display screens, one on each side. The screens are the same as the one inside the Model 3.
The captain’s chair has air suspension, giving it a bouncy feel. Sitting the chair you immediately become aware of how forward you’re sitting. Designers were able to push the seating area forward in this cab because there is no engine, transmission, and other traditional diesel truck bits to get in the way. The result is similar to what it feels like to drive a VW bus. Another feature of this Semi are the numerous cup holders around the cabin area and storage space all around even on the doors. Behind the captain’s chair, and to the right, is a secondary seat that is stiffer and without the bounciness of the main one. In the back there are two overhead compartments that are similar to what you might find in an airplane.
Before selling your truck and planning to acquire a Tesla Semi, better hold on to your horses because the ones unveiled by Musk were working prototypes. Refinements in both the interior and exterior will likely be implemented before its actual production. Industry insiders say that it’s possible that production of the Tesla Semi will be delayed, or fail altogether. The company at present is facing enormous challenges as it tries to work through production issues with its mass-marketing passenger vehicle, the Model 3, and the growing list of other projects the company is pursuing.
Tesla is will also have to fend off rival companies in trying to develop electric semi-trucks and smaller delivery vehicles. Other potential rivals include DAF, Bosch, Cummins, and Daimler. A number of companies such as Siemens have pilot programs already in place to test the viability of electrifying commercial trucks.