Figure 1 – Tesla Semi, cargo vehicle launched by the company in November 2017
Source: Tesla/Disclosure
Tesla announced, on November 16, the launch of its horse-trailer model truck, the Tesla Semi. The design impresses, as is common in brand vehicles. The interior of the cabin is also quite innovative, with the driver positioned in the center of the cabin and the presence of two screens to access the basic controls of the Semi. But there are some questions: will it be efficient? What is the battery life? Will there be power to transport loads?
Figure 2 – Interior of the Tesla Semi
Source: Tesla/Disclosure
According to company information, the Tesla Semi has four branded Model 3 engines, which would generate more than 1000 hp of power. Fully loaded at 36 ton, the vehicle does 0 to 100 km/h in about 20 s. Regarding autonomy, the Semi travels 800 km with a single battery charge, even with a fully charged body. This would equate to savings of $0,25 per mile, which is equivalent to 17% less than the cost of hauling a conventional diesel-powered truck. In order to have an idea of the impact of this reduction: according to data in the 2016 Cost Overview developed by ILOS, in Brazil the cost of diesel represents 24,1% of the freight value, and considering the reduction in costs promoted by electric vehicles, Brazil would save about R$ 14 billion a year in fuel for cargo vehicles.
The big issue that prevents the mass adoption of this type of vehicle in the world is the absence of an extensive network of points for electric refueling. If this problem already impedes the growth of the electric passenger vehicle fleet in large cities, the problem is greater for freight vehicles, which circulate in wider areas. In addition, the purchase price of the vehicle was not revealed, which would impact investments and depreciation costs, for example.
Despite these uncertainties, Tesla has already received orders, including from large companies. Walmart, for example, announced that it has already placed an order for 15 Tesla Semis. With a fleet of 6 vehicles, Walmart intends to test electric trucks in the United States and Canada. In addition to the cost benefit, companies that have large fleets can benefit by reducing the amount of CO2 emission into the atmosphere and obtaining carbon credits.
Innovations like this strongly change the competitive arena for companies that move their products on highways around the world. Over time, we will see if the environmental, marketing and cost appeal will overcome doubts regarding supply points and investment values.
References:
<https://ilos.com.br/web/analise-de-mercado/relatorios-de-pesquisa/custos-logisticos-no-brasil/>
<http://fortune.com/2017/11/20/inside-tesla-electric-semi-truck/>
<https://exame.abril.com.br/tecnologia/novo-veiculo-da-tesla-e-caminhao-eletrico-e-futurista/>
<https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/17/16670632/walmart-tesla-semi-truck-preorder>
Henry Alvarenga
He has been working in consultancy for 7 years, with experience in more than 20 Demand Planning and S&OP projects, Logistics Network Design, Logistics Master Plan, Inventory Policies, Operations Strategy and Market Intelligence
