Bill Gates doubts electric heavy-duty trucks — Elon Musk says Tesla Semi will hit roads in 2026
have been a topic of debate among industry leaders for years. While Microsoft founder Bill Gates has expressed skepticism about the practicality of fully electric 18-wheelers, Elon Musk, CEO of
Tesla
Inc., remains confident in their future. 'Tesla Semi is not just feasible, it's the future of trucking,'
Musk
has said, affirming that his company's all-electric Semi truck will hit volume production next year. His bold claim comes amid growing global interest in electrifying freight transportation to cut emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As Tesla gears up to ramp production in 2026, industry watchers are eager to see whether the Semi can deliver on its promises and truly compete with traditional diesel trucks.
Bill Gates' skepticism on electric 18-wheelers
Bill Gates has consistently argued that fully electric 18-wheelers face fundamental limitations, focusing on the technical challenge of batteries for heavy-duty long-haul trucks. He has stated that the high energy density required to move large payloads over long distances with batteries results in trucks carrying more battery weight, which in turn reduces their efficiency and practicality. Gates believes this makes electrification particularly tough for heavy freight, cargo ships, and passenger jets.
Even with ongoing progress in battery technology, Gates maintains that batteries alone are unlikely to solve the unique needs of long-haul, heavy trucking, and has suggested that alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells or synthetic electrofuels may be more practical for these larger, energy-intensive applications. He's also noted that these synthetic fuels could be used in existing engines, minimizing the need for wholesale changes in infrastructure.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You
Unsold Cars | Search Ads
Learn More
Undo
Elon Musk's vision for Tesla Semi
Elon Musk, meanwhile, has reaffirmed that Tesla's all-electric Semi truck will begin volume production in 2026. The company has constructed a dedicated production facility near Gigafactory Nevada with an expected annual output of 50,000 units when fully ramped. While actual output in the first year may be lower, Tesla's leadership, including Dan Priestley, head of the Semi program, has publicly shared that the company is preparing for full-scale manufacturing to start in 2026. Tesla's Semi, since its unveiling in 2017, has promised a range of 500 miles per charge, top-tier acceleration and torque, and a gross vehicle weight comparable to that of traditional diesel trucks.
Tesla's strategy goes beyond the US: the company has signaled intentions to expand the Semi's market into Europe, where stricter emissions regulations and dense logistics routes present both challenges and opportunities. In addition, Tesla continues to invest in its Megacharger high-speed charging network designed to address heavy-duty fleets specifically.
Tesla's expanding electric vehicle lineup
Tesla is not only pushing into the heavy-duty sector. The Cybertruck, a full-size electric pickup, officially launched production at Gigafactory Texas in late 2023, with three drivetrain variants now on the US and Canadian markets. Reports also point to Tesla exploring a smaller electric pickup and an autonomous 'Cyber Cab,' specifically aimed at the ride-hailing segment, reinforcing its aim to diversify its electric portfolio further into transportation classes previously dominated by internal combustion.
Challenges ahead for electric freight trucks
The main challenges for electric heavy-duty trucks include the need for a robust high-capacity charging infrastructure and sufficient grid capacity, as current networks cannot always support the rapid, high-power charging required for long-haul fleets. Heavy batteries add significant weight, reducing payload capacity and fleet profitability, while also limiting range compared to diesel or hydrogen alternatives. High upfront costs, slower charging times, and limited range, often between 100 to 300 miles for most models, affect operational efficiency. Additionally, sourcing affordable, renewable electricity is still a hurdle, and while hydrogen fuel cell trucks offer lighter weight and faster refueling, they face infrastructure gaps and higher production costs.
The road ahead for Tesla Semi Truck
The positive momentum behind electric heavy-duty trucks is clear, with thousands of units already deployed in regional routes and last-mile logistics in 2024 and 2025, spurred by lower battery costs, new product launches, and increasingly favorable policy and regulatory landscapes. But for truly widespread, long-range electrification, especially in the heavy-duty, long-haul segment, substantial challenges remain. As both startups and legacy manufacturers invest in solutions, options like hydrogen and advanced synthetic fuels will likely complement batteries, especially for the most demanding trucking applications.
Discover everything about the
automotive
world at
Times of India
.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
VRL Logistics 1:1 bonus issue: Record date tomorrow, last chance to buy today
Today marks the final opportunity for investors to purchase shares of VRL Logistics in order to be eligible for its recently announced 1:1 bonus share issue. The company has set Thursday, August 14, as the record date for determining the eligibility of shareholders for the corporate action. A record date is the cut-off date established by a company to determine which shareholders are entitled to receive a dividend, bonus issue, rights issue, or other corporate benefits. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo To be eligible, investors must ensure they purchase the shares before the ex-date, which is typically one trading day prior to the record date in India due to the T+1 settlement cycle. This means that trades executed today will reflect in shareholders' demat accounts by the record date, thereby qualifying them for the bonus shares. Under the terms of the announced corporate action, VRL Logistics will issue one bonus share for every one share held by eligible shareholders. This essentially doubles the number of shares in the investor's portfolio without any additional cost, although the share price is adjusted proportionally post-issue to maintain the same overall value. Live Events Bonus issues are often seen as a way for companies to reward shareholders and increase liquidity in the stock, although they do not directly impact the company's valuation. Investors considering purchasing VRL Logistics shares ahead of this record date should take into account both the potential benefits of the bonus issue and the post-issue share price adjustment. With this bonus issue, this is the first time in the history of VRL Logistics that the company is distributing free shares to its eligible shareholders. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
New wage based H-1B rule may put entry-level international students at a serious disadvantage: Here's how
As the US government considers replacing the traditional H-1B visa lottery with a wage-based selection system, international students and recent graduates across the country face growing uncertainty about their future career prospects. The proposed change aims to prioritize visa applicants with higher salaries, a shift that experts warn could create significant hurdles for fresh graduates and entry-level workers looking to start their careers in the United States. In this article, we break down what the wage-based H-1B proposal means, why it could disadvantage entry-level international students, and how students, universities, and employers are preparing to navigate this evolving landscape. What is the proposed wage-based H-1B system? Currently, the H-1B visa lottery system offers all qualified applicants an equal chance of selection, regardless of the salary offered by their employer. Each year, a capped number of H-1B visas are distributed randomly among registered candidates, providing a level playing field for new graduates and experienced professionals alike. The proposed wage-based system would fundamentally change this process by prioritizing applicants based on the wages offered in their job applications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Man Posts Photo of His New Dog on Social Media; Soon Police Show Up At His Door Learn More Undo Higher-paying jobs would be given preference in visa allocation, with the government's stated goal of protecting American workers and ensuring that visas are awarded to roles contributing significantly to the US economy. Impact on entry-level international students While the wage-based model may sound like a fair way to attract top talent, it poses particular challenges for entry-level international students. Graduates starting their careers often accept lower salaries as they gain experience, especially in competitive fields or startups where budgets may be tight. Under the new system, these candidates could be pushed to the bottom of the selection queue or even excluded, regardless of their qualifications or potential. This change could disproportionately affect students from certain disciplines and non-STEM fields, where starting salaries tend to be lower. Even STEM graduates, who traditionally have stronger work visa prospects, may find their options limited if they begin their careers in roles that don't meet the wage threshold. Challenges for students and employers For international students, the new rules will likely increase pressure to negotiate higher salaries from the outset — a difficult task for recent graduates still building their professional skills and networks. For employers, especially smaller companies, startups, and non-profits, offering higher wages to entry-level hires may not always be feasible, potentially leading to fewer sponsorships for international talent. This combination of higher salary demands and limited employer flexibility risks discouraging companies from hiring international graduates altogether, which could shrink opportunities for many students hoping to stay and work in the US. Alternative options for international students As the H-1B route becomes more competitive, students will need to explore alternative visa pathways. Options include the O-1 visa, available for individuals with extraordinary ability in their fields, and employer-sponsored green cards, though both have stringent eligibility requirements and longer processing times. Additionally, many students rely on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions to work legally in the US after graduation. While these provide valuable time to build experience and seek H-1B sponsorship, they are temporary solutions and do not guarantee a long-term stay. Some students may also consider opportunities in countries with more flexible immigration policies and clear post-study work rights, such as Canada, Australia, or parts of Europe. How universities and support networks are responding Recognising the looming challenges, many US universities are ramping up support for their international students. Career services and international student offices are organizing workshops focused on visa alternatives, salary negotiation skills, and sector-specific job search strategies. Student organisations and advocacy groups are also increasingly active, pushing for more equitable immigration policies and providing peer support to navigate the complex visa landscape. Partnerships with immigration lawyers and external experts aim to deliver timely, practical advice tailored to students' evolving needs. What can students do now? To navigate this shifting terrain, international students should take several proactive steps: Stay informed: Regularly check updates from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), university international offices, and trusted legal sources. Build specialised skills: Focus on acquiring in-demand expertise that commands higher salaries and strengthens employability. Target high-paying sectors: Consider career paths in industries known for competitive compensation, such as technology, finance, or healthcare. Network aggressively: Connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals to uncover job opportunities and improve negotiation leverage. Explore all visa options: Understand the requirements and timelines for alternative work visas and have backup plans ready. The bottom line The proposed wage-based H-1B visa system represents a major shift in US immigration policy with the potential to significantly disadvantage entry-level international students. As salary considerations gain prominence, fresh graduates face an increasingly uphill battle to secure work visas and build careers in the US. While the policy is still under discussion, it is already influencing student decisions and employer hiring practices. The key to success will be adaptability, informed planning, and making the most of available resources and support networks. For international students hoping to stay and work in the US, staying ahead of these changes and preparing strategically will be critical in navigating a more competitive and salary-driven visa landscape. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Nvidia share price: Market cap tops $4.47 trillion, commands over 8% of S&P 500
Nvidia Corp. has cemented its dominance in U.S. equity markets, ending Tuesday with a market capitalisation of $4.47 trillion and accounting for more than 8% of the S&P 500's total market value — the highest weighting ever recorded for a single stock in the index's history. Nvidia share price closed 0.52% higher at $183.10 apiece, lifting its market share in the S&P 500 to a record high level. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 gained 72.31 points, or 1.13%, to close at a record high of 6,445.76, with a market cap of $53.66 trillion, buoyed in part by shares of the AI chipmaker Nvidia's continued rally. The milestone underscores Nvidia's rapid ascent, fuelled by insatiable demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) that power artificial intelligence applications worldwide. Nvidia now holds a larger slice of the S&P 500 than tech giants Microsoft ($3.93 trillion market cap) and Apple Inc. ($3.41 trillion), which rank second and third by index weight. Rounding out the top five are Alphabet ($2.46 trillion) and Amazon ($2.36 trillion). The technology sector remains the dominant force in the S&P 500, with an overall index weight of 34%, followed by financials at 13.8% and consumer discretionary at 10.4%. Nvidia's share price has rallied 7% in the past month, 41% over three months, and 37% year-to-date. Over the past year, the stock has surged 58%, driven by robust demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) that power artificial intelligence applications globally. By comparison, the S&P 400 index has posted more modest gains — up 3% in one month, 9.5% in three months, and 10% so far in 2025. On a one-year basis, the index has delivered 19% returns. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
