Weight Matters: Tesla Semi's Impressive Pass with Heavy Load?

The video of the Tesla Semi passing diesel trucks on a steep grade has generated a lot of discussion and debate. Some people are impressed by Tesla's performance, while others are skeptical about the weight of the load and the range of the battery.

Here are some of the comments from the video:

One comment that caught my attention was from @jasontran8095, who mentioned that regenerative braking is a savior for trucks. It not only makes downhill drives safer but also saves a lot on maintenance costs. This is a significant advantage of electric trucks like the Tesla Semi.

Another interesting comment came from @TJ4DaWin, who wondered about the steep downhill speed differential and how regenerative braking affects the control and speed during the descent. They also praised the coverage provided in the video.

Hereis one of those prases: 

• "You indicated the real genius of the Tesla semi. When going downhill the regen brakes prevent potential runaway semis. It saves the brakes and puts energy back in the battery."

@larryenok pointed out that the climb shown in the video is on Donner Summit grade, a tough climb for any vehicle. They also mentioned how the car to the left of the Tesla Semi wasn't zooming past, highlighting the impressive ability of the T-Semi.

However, some commenters raised valid questions. @Crackgarden asked about the weight the Tesla truck was hauling and its actual range with a load. @jslhopper responded, stating that the weight of the cargo makes a significant difference and speculating that the Tesla Semi might not have been fully loaded. These comments highlight the importance of considering the weight and load of the trucks in such comparisons.

@sethflajole8492 made an interesting point, stating that this is just the beginning for electric semi trucks. With improvements in battery energy density, the range of EVs will continue to increase, eventually eliminating any disadvantages compared to traditional ICE vehicles.

Some commenters also raised concerns. @wickham53 wasn't impressed with the driver's lane-keeping skills, while @wickham53 thought the Tesla Semi looked ugly. @tripleairgoddess found it interesting that the driver sits in the middle, which might take some adjustment. These comments touch on the aesthetic and design aspects of the Tesla Semi.

@alphadriverschannel370 criticized the report for not mentioning the weight of the trucks' cargo and claimed that the Tesla Semi had to park while charging or get towed back to the starting point. However, @amadhevincent7408 appreciated the improvement in the video commentary, stating that it made the videos more bearable and enjoyable.

There were also comments questioning the practicality of Tesla Semi. @bevanyoung3540 raised concerns about the environmental impact of EVs, including the mining of materials and battery disposal. They also mentioned insurance issues and the cost and time of repairs for heavy electric vehicles. While these comments express skepticism, they should be considered alongside other perspectives.

Overall, the video of the Tesla Semi passing diesel trucks on steep grades has generated mixed reactions. While some commenters praised the performance and advantages of electric trucks, others raised questions about weight, range, practicality, and design. It's clear that there are different opinions and considerations when it comes to the adoption of electric semis.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin, and Youtube.