AZ Desert Driver
Rare combination
Has any one added up how many Tesla Semi orders have been placed so far? Are they on the way to 173,000 orders in the first day like the Model 3?
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Pretty sure we don't know. They've been working with trucking companies to build this design and product out. For all we know, the queue might already be full by early reservations. I'm guessing we won't know the true number until Tesla decides to post something out.
To be honest, I'd be happy for Tesla to be the number one consumer of these trucks first (and for a long time) and see where they goes from there, if the numbers are true.
@vgrinshpunI’m going to have to disagree with that somewhat, because I believe that the batteries are heavier than that, and Tesla is making up in the weight of the chassis, by using lighter weight materials. You can see that extensively in the Model S, X, and 3. Just my hypothesis, however. I think they are making improvements, but not to the extent that you mention
Pulling this from market action:
The Tesla chassis has a couple things going for it being lighter. The load paths are about as short are possible.The 5th wheel is directly over the fore rear axle so minimal structure is need (matching existing so not a gain). The bigger factor I see is that the frame from rear axle forward only has to handle the static load of battery and structure. There is no engine at the front imparting a torsional load to the chassis.
So what is the typical weight of the Diesel semi chassis and how much weight you think could be saved in Tesla Semi Chassis as compared to the Diesel semi structure? Intuitively it does not seem enough to move the scale one way or another, but I do not have experience with this (my Diesel semi weight figures are from trusted source with direct experience in trucking).
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The only thing that I can add to this is the idea that the pack itself is structural and can replace or act as a replacement for the structure in a typical semi. I dont know much weight can be saved by leveraging the structure required to protect the pack as a rigid part of the semis overall structure.
I do not have a good data source. Reading back to your comment, Is your source saying the cab and chassis typically weigh 13,000 pounds?
From the Tesla Twitter fly through, it looked like two main rails, two cross rails, and then a few fore/aft U section to support the packs, and another set of U above the packs for the cab floor. From that, I'd guess the packs are mostly self supporting and not used as much of a structural member due to lack of torsion.
Edit: 3 cross rails.
Edit #2: Tweet didn't show bottom structure (other than what looked like a flat plate) just top/ cab floor.
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I think that since truck chassis is a frame construction, rather than unibody construction in case of MS/MX/M3, potential weight savings due to battery pack structure would be minimal.
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The source I used had direct estimate for the weight of engine, transmission, cooler, exhaust system, etc, along with all the liquids/fuel.
Frame protects battery from side. Bottom armor of the back will make frame more rigid.
Pulling from Market Action
If the shield is part of the pack, then you are stuck with top v.s. and possibly fore vs aft bottom version. I'm expecting all 4 packs are the same. The Tractor has higher ground clearance, so road debris is less of an issue. Elon said the bottom was flat, so I expect that to be a welded plate that stiffens up the frame and provides shielding.
Thanks!
One last query, did your source mention the starting weight of the tractor these parts were from?
(or rough cost of the parts?)
I did the math awhile back and you can save around 2-4,000 lbs on the diesel related stuff. The big issue is the engine, you can have a Maxxforce10 weight 1,200lbs or huge Cummins ISX system that tips the scales at 3,204 pounds with emissions systems.
I ran the numbers in the Semi Number thread, it worked out pretty good based on pack location/ approximate mass. About two third of ots mass in on the front axle v.s. aft rear.
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