Tesla Motors’ next venture: A Semi-Electric Truck
Published On Apr 18, 2017
Tesla, the American based auto giant well known for its uncanny ambitions of building self-driving cars and colonizing Mars, is also planning to enter into the segment of commercial vehicles. Elon Musk, the CEO confirmed in a tweet that company is preparing a semi-electric truck that will be unveiled coming September.
Although he didn’t revealed much about the vehicle but went on to say that it will be a product of the ‘next level’. He said that the engineers have done a wonderful job hinting the car would come in some form of autonomous driving technology. Putting this technology inside a truck would be relatively easy as these commercial vehicles go through well marked roads and set routes. Also, the rivals are testing autonomous technology in some of their big rigs out there, so it’s possible that company means some serious business.
In fact, the idea of semi-trucks is not a new one, Musk mentioned it last year that it is one of their master plans as these types of trucks substantially reduce cost of cargo transport while at the same time, making it safe and fun to drive. In a serial of tweets, he also stated that company would also be unveiling a pick-up truck in the next 18-24 months.
It is to be noted that Tesla is contemplating to expand its business to overseas markets such as India. The automotive industry here is still on tenterhooks as the CEO hinted in a tweet in February at making debut in the Indian market this summer, but still hasn’t made any official announcement yet. Tesla is already taking pre-orders from India for its affordable electric sedan, Model 3. And given the increasing environmental concern and sky rocketing oil prices, Tesla could also do the same with the electric semi-truck to test waters.
After Narendra Modi visit to Tesla factory in 2015, transport minister Nitin Gadkari also visited the company last year and placed forth a proposal to form a joint venture with Indian auto companies to manufacture pollution free vehicles, especially in the commercial and public transport segment. The Indian government has also offered a land near a major port and other incentives, but the company seems to be unmoved on the issue so far.
But something might be cooking inside as India is one of the most potential markets in the world and Tesla won’t be delaying the proposal for long. India has a cherished desire to make a mass shift from oil driven to pure electric transport by the year 2030. The government aspires to see around 6 million electric/hybrid vehicles by 2020 on road under its National Mobility Mission Plan and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.
Daimler, the parent company of BharatBenz (Daimler India Commercial Vehicles) has already showcased an e-truck concept last year and is planning to launch the product in mature markets by the year 2020. India could also be on the cards if all goes well. For now we have crossed our fingers.
