Tesla unveiled their Battery Electric Semi concept to the world in 2017, and those who held their breath in anticipation of its arrival, who haven’t already done so, can finally take a nice deep inward breath or plan to before the year end. Earlier this week at the time of this publication, 8/26 Tesla announced officially that the 500 mile range Tesla Semi will be shipping within 2022. From inception, announcement to official release, (which seems promising), freight and shipping companies have had to wait quite some time, and may still, to get their hands on the Tesla Battery Electric Semi. This delay to production has given the competition ample time to develop and produce their own offerings, where several manufacturers have beaten Tesla to the punch, and many more making commitments for delivery and production in 2023- ‘23 is certainly going to be the year of the electric big rig. Here are 9 Battery Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Semis you can preorder, or purchase today.
1. Nikola Tre BEV Day Cab (350 miles of range)
Nikola Motors began production of the Tre battery electric semi in March of this year, quickly making a name for itself. With promises to deliver upwards of 500 units before year end, a figure only stifled by part shortages, Nikola’s Arizona based factory has a production capacity of nearly 2500 units per year. This class 8 rig boasts a 753kW battery, 645hp and 1,328 lb-ft of continuous torque. Charging from 10%-80% at 240kW within just 2 hours. Not to mention Nikola made CoE (Cab over Engine) architecture look cool again!
2. Tesla Semi BEV (300-500 miles of range)
The obvious choice to top this list in terms of pure advertised range, and hype. While beaten to production by many on this list, the Tesla Semi is touted as a “beast” built to surpass all, and Tesla has the track record to prove it. The Tesla Semi can be configured with either 600 kWh or 1 MWh (1,000kWh) batteries, and while power and torque figures are unpublished, the Tesla can allegedly be recharged to 70% in as few as 30 minutes with the Tesla Semi Megacharger Network.
3. Freightliner eCascadia 18 wheeler BEV (230 miles of range)
Freightliner, a sub-brand under Daimler Trucks, is currently the largest producer of commercial vehicles in the world. With a firm grasp on 40% of the american trucking and logistics market, and an incredibly strong presence globally. The class 8 eCascadia promises to be strong competition in the race towards electrification in trucking. Recharging from 0-80% with Detroit eFill Chargers takes roughly 90 minutes and expected range is 155-230 miles depending on configuration. Power in single motor configuration is max of 195hp and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. With Dual motors offering 395hp and whopping 23,000 lb-ft of torque.
4. Volvo VNR BEV (275 miles of range)
Volvo, a steadfast name in trucking, particularly globally, the vehicle manufacturer has been doing some exciting things with Polestar sub-brand and this experience has trickled over into Trucking. The VNR offers 455 hp with up to 4,051 lb/ft torque with up to 275 miles of range and recharging the 375 kWh battery from 10-80% takes 90 minutes.
5. BYD 8TT (167 miles of range)
If you haven’t heard of BYD, that would be because they’re a relatively new company, the China based company was founded in 2003, and only came stateside in 2020, during the pandemic, remember the pandemic? BYD specialized in hybrid, battery electric drivetrains and buses primarily. While the company may be relatively new when compared to some household names in trucking, don’t overlook the freshman. The company has a successful track record of electric heavy duty vehicles globally. The 8TT is no different, and in fact Anheuser-Busch has deployed 21 BYD rigs in California. The 8TT offers a 422 kWh battery, 483hp, 664 lb-ft of torque and recharging within 2.5 hrs.
6. Kenworth T680E (150 miles of range)
If not Peterbilt, Kenworth is the household name in semi’s, joining the party is the T680E. With up to 670 hp peak power and 1,623 lb-ft of torque on tap provided by the 396 kW battery, recharging at 120 kWh and estimated 3.3-hours.
7. Hyzon Motors FCET8 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Conversion
While not strictly a new truck you can purchase, this is a retrofit. Allowing fleet managers, and private operators to modify their existing trucks model years 2013+ with a fuel cell and electric motor. The benefits to fuel cell technology are clearly defined, and for the longer range use case, and for those who own their own inventory Hyzon Motors Repower is a fantastic solution.
8. Lion LION8T (221 miles of range)
Another relatively new name, this rig comes from the Canadian-based manufacturer Lion Electric- specializing in electrified heavy duty vehicles since 2011. The LION8T is a class8 rig with a 706 kWh battery, with 536hp and 840 lb-ft of torque. Many of Lion’s school buses and public buses have been in Canadian urban areas for quite some time.
9. Peterbilt 579 BEV (200 miles of range)
Last, and certainly not least, this Peterbilt class 8 day cab rig is ideal for regional, drayage and last mile operations. The 579EV offers 396 kWh with 670hp, and 600 lb-ft of torque. Unlike some on this list, the Peterbilt dealer network is strong and well represented, so if this is a consideration, going with a US based company with existing, and successful architectures have become electrified, Peterbilt is a strong contender.
