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Design change to reduce weight and help charging

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It is my understanding that there will be 5 batteries on the semi. Why not Just have 2 batteries on the truck so it weighs less without a trailer and could be smaller and then build/retro fit 3 batteries on or under the trailer, that way the trailer could be charged while waiting to be picked up and the charging port could be at the rear of the trailer so that the charging station could be in the loading doc and out of the way of the drivers when they back in to pick up or drop off loads. Also it would be easy to only install the needed number of batteries depending on the distance needed. They could easily be added and taken away or changed out with a electric fork lift. Maybe my industial design degree is kicking in.. lol. This idea is worth millions.
 
This idea is worth millions.
No, it isn't. For lots of reasons, for example:
  • There aren't enough battery cells available to outfit all of the trailers that a given electric Semi would haul.
  • You would have to have an industry standard connector/voltage/BMS/cable placement/etc. so that you weren't limited to hauling a given trailer with a given brand of Semi.
  • Adding $200+k to the cost of each trailer. (Making the trailers a significant theft liability.)
  • Significant weight/range/efficiency penalty when a trailer with batteries is hauled with a diesel Semi.
 
A typical application for adding batteries to a trailer would be:

- for providing refrigeration, which is currently done using auxiliary diesel generators.​
- In this case, solar panels and regenerative braking could be used to keep the battery charged,​
- and when parked, the trailer could use an off shore plug to keep the refrigeration running and charge the batteries.​
 
No, it isn't. For lots of reasons, for example:
  • There aren't enough battery cells available to outfit all of the trailers that a given electric Semi would haul.
  • You would have to have an industry standard connector/voltage/BMS/cable placement/etc. so that you weren't limited to hauling a given trailer with a given brand of Semi.
  • Adding $200+k to the cost of each trailer. (Making the trailers a significant theft liability.)
  • Significant weight/range/efficiency penalty when a trailer with batteries is hauled with a diesel Semi.
Currently are are not enough battery cells for all the automotive uses but the plan is to produce more obviously, Industry standard charging stations and connectors are what is going to happen anyway. Trailers are usually stored in a secure area and not everyone can just pull up and and take one. It is far easier to steal a ev car than a 60ft trailer. The batteries would be easily removable at the storage facility or they would have trailers specifically design electric vs diesel just like a diesel pump vs and charging station.
 
Currently are are not enough battery cells for all the automotive uses but the plan is to produce more obviously, Industry standard charging stations and connectors are what is going to happen anyway. Trailers are usually stored in a secure area and not everyone can just pull up and and take one. It is far easier to steal a ev car than a 60ft trailer. The batteries would be easily removable at the storage facility or they would have trailers specifically design electric vs diesel just like a diesel pump vs and charging station.
A little education………….a semi trailer will hook up to ANY class 7 or 8 truck on the road today, no keys no special tools 5-10 minutes and it’s gone. And secured areas are non existent they Just keep honest people out.
Hers an example of these secure areas AFTER security was “beefed” up so to speak. https://www.police1.com/investigations/articles/3-arrested-in-fla-over-ties-to-multimillion-dollar-meat-theft-ring-spanning-multiple-states-nrMxJekPIJo85A2T/
 
Currently are are not enough battery cells for all the automotive uses but the plan is to produce more obviously, Industry standard charging stations and connectors are what is going to happen anyway. Trailers are usually stored in a secure area and not everyone can just pull up and and take one. It is far easier to steal a ev car than a 60ft trailer. The batteries would be easily removable at the storage facility or they would have trailers specifically design electric vs diesel just like a diesel pump vs and charging station.
one thing you did get correct it is absolutely easier to steal ANY car than a 60’ trailer because 60’ dry vans / reefers DO NOT EXIST never made them never will
 
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It is my understanding that there will be 5 batteries on the semi. Why not Just have 2 batteries on the truck so it weighs less without a trailer and could be smaller and then build/retro fit 3 batteries on or under the trailer, that way the trailer could be charged while waiting to be picked up and the charging port could be at the rear of the trailer so that the charging station could be in the loading doc and out of the way of the drivers when they back in to pick up or drop off loads. Also it would be easy to only install the needed number of batteries depending on the distance needed. They could easily be added and taken away or changed out with a electric fork lift. Maybe my industial design degree is kicking in.. lol. This idea is worth millions.
The fundamental idea is for the Tesla Semi to fit into the existing eco system of tractors and trailers to smoothly and quickly replace dirty and inefficient trucks. There are already self powered trailers, it doesn’t mean they will sell. It takes time to beat an entrenched system. Einride is part way there. We shall see.
 
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Lengths law was NEVER 40’
You might look at some of the history (by state).

It looks like Texas will allow 59'

In any case, I agree semi-trailers are not usually the most secure.

You won't normally see the kingpin locked when they are unhooked.

When being towed and most trailers aren't locked, the door is just secured by simple seals (Some loads like beer have better seals).
 
You might look at some of the history (by state).

It looks like Texas will allow 59'

In any case, I agree semi-trailers are not usually the most secure.

You won't normally see the kingpin locked when they are unhooked.

When being towed and most trailers aren't locked, the door is just secured by simple seals (Some loads like beer have better seals).
State laws don’t mean anything if you travel all over plus Canada