Elon Musk: Tesla Semi To Get 1,000 Km (621 Miles) Of Range

300-500 miles (500-800 km) range is considered "easy," over time it will be more using 4680 battery cells.

By: Mark Kane

Nov 24, 2020 at 12:59pm ET

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in one of the most recent interviews that achieving the range of 500 km (311 miles) and 800 km (497 miles) for an electric truck is fairly "easy" / "trivial" (using today's battery tech). In the not-so-far future, we will see a range of 1,000 km (621 miles), which would support the statement from 2018.

The comment about the possible range is of course important for those who are wondering about the Tesla Semi. The company announced in 2017 two versions: with a range of 300 and 500 miles.

Moreover, the range figures are for the fully loaded trucks (up to roughly 35-40 tons - truck plus cargo). The payload of the Semi should be similar to the diesel equivalent (maybe there will be a 1-ton cargo reduction according to Musk).

Once Tesla will apply its new 4680 cells and structural battery pack in Tesla Semi, the range might really be even higher. 1,000 km vs 800 km is a 25% improvement, while the switch to the new approach using the same chemistry is worth 30%.

The cell energy density would have to be at "around 300 Wh/kg" to achieve the highest range according to Musk, who confirmed the intention of using the 4680 type cells and structural battery packs in trucks.

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Gallery: Tesla Semi

Tesla Semi specs:

Acceleration 0-60 mph with 80K lbs load – 20 sec
Speed up a 5% Grade – 65 mph
Range – 300 or 500 miles (483 or 804 km)
Powertrain – 4 Independent Motors on Rear Axles
Energy Consumption – Less than 2 kWh / 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 * Prices displayed in USD. International pricing will vary.