Jay Leno Drives the 500-Mile Tesla Semi: The Death of Diesel? | Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube

3/23/202697,286 viewsDeep Sift
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The video features Jay Leno test-driving the new Tesla Semi, specifically the long-range 500-mile model, alongside Tesla's Director of Styling, Franz von Holzhausen, and Semi Program Director, Dan Priestley. The discussion highlights the truck's innovative design, emphasizing its aerodynamic 'bullet-shaped' cab and central driver position, which contributes to a drag coefficient lower than a Bugatti Veyron. Tesla has achieved a 7% improvement in aero efficiency since the semi's debut, with a current CD of about 0.4. The truck boasts a 1.2-megawatt charging capability, allowing for a 60% charge in 30 minutes, often during a driver's mandatory break. Economically, the Tesla Semi is presented as 50% cheaper to run per mile in California and nearly 20% cheaper across the US, including reduced maintenance costs. Tesla has also cut 1,000 lbs from the truck, and with a 2,000 lb weight exemption for EVs, its payload capacity is on par with diesel equivalents. The battery is designed to last a million miles, and the truck features a 48V architecture, electric power steering, and regenerative braking that allows for descent of steep grades without touching the brakes. Tesla has conducted extensive cold weather testing in Alaska, confirming the truck's performance in extreme conditions with minimal range degradation due to an efficient thermal system. The company is scaling up production at a new factory in Reno, Nevada, aiming for 50,000 units a year, and plans to expand to Europe.

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