It’s been almost five years since Tesla announced its intent to create an EV Class 8 truck, but now it appears on the verge of an actual launch. Tesla is far from the first to produce a Class 8 EV, but what could potentially set it apart is its range claims-up to 500 miles on a charge. Contrast this to the 125-mile range that other makers have currently achieved. Will this make Tesla a game changer and a worthwhile investment? There’s much to consider before putting down a deposit.
One big unknown is the initial price tag of the Tesla semi-there are some estimates that would put it somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000 more than current, fuel-efficient Class 8 trucks. While that’s pricey, you could potentially more than make up for the up-front cost with the fuel savings you achieve. There’s also the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax credits of $40,000 for all Class 8 electric trucks, making the Tesla price tag more palatable. There’s much to consider in the overall equation, but the future of Class 8 EV trucks remains bright and should factor into your buying decisions going forward.
