Latest news with #Megacharger
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bill Gates sceptical on electric trucks; Musk says Tesla Semi coming in 2026
Electric heavy-duty trucks 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. 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bill Gates doubts electric heavy-duty trucks — Elon Musk says Tesla Semi will hit roads in 2026
Electric heavy-duty trucks 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 .
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uncovered Tesla permit details how Tesla's massive Semi will be charged
As Tesla plans to produce its Semi en masse later this year, one nagging concern has been how it plans to charge those behemoths. According to an uncovered permit filing, Tesla is planning a 'Megacharger' station with 12 bays for its semi trucks and trailers. The station will also host a 1,600 sqft. "amenity building" with vending machines, a lounge, and restrooms for truckers to wait in while their trucks Megacharger will be located in Gardena, California, near the Port of Long Beach and several major freeways in southern California. It will be at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Knox Street, near the interchange of the 405 and 110 freeways, two major thoroughfares for transporting goods in the greater Los Angeles area. Semis will enter through one of two entrances on Hamilton Avenue and can park in one of 12 bays. The plans suggest that trucks park facing the lone exit point, and the bays are slanted. There is the aforementioned amenity building, a bicycle locker, and eight employee parking spaces. A corporate center currently occupies the lot, which will be demolished to make room for the Megacharger. As the name suggests, the Megacharger can charge Semis at 1 megawatt (1,000 kilowatts). Tesla claims its Semis will have a 500-mile range and that the Megacharger can charge a Semi to 70 percent in 30 minutes. The Tesla Semi is currently being produced at Tesla's Gigafactory in Nevada. A handful are in the internal Tesla fleet, and a few have already been seeded to customers. As expected, the Megacharger connectors are massive, but the apparatus is the same as that on any EV. Tesla has a smaller, private Semi charger in Baker, California, which is about 200 miles from its incoming Gardena charger and about halfway between Gardena and Las Vegas, first announced the Semi in 2017 to mixed reviews. Many truckers deride its center-seat cabin, claiming it will be problematic for everyday tasks like handing paperwork out of the window or scanning a badge to enter a facility. The position of the doors, which sit behind the driver, makes these tasks even more difficult. The Semi is sleek, and the promise of a fast-charging semi truck with a decent range is enticing, but it's unlikely to totally disrupt trucking as we know it. It seems positioned more for short-haul routes, as traditional semis can go one thousand miles or further on a single fill-up. Tesla's Megacharger should be seen as a proof of concept, not a leap forward in EV semi-charging. The automaker has already mastered EV charging and has been privately charging its Semis for some time. Tesla seems to be working towards a series of Megachargers that can create short-haul advantages for it and its partners. If the economics at scale are favorable for large companies, expect to see branded Tesla Semis on southern California highways in a few years. Love reading Autoblog? Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get exclusive articles, insider insights, and the latest updates delivered right to your inbox. Click here to sign up now!
