Tesla Semi DRIVES like a dream? A veteran trucker’s honest review

Former truck driver Adam Wingfield, who now works as an analyst, recently had the opportunity to test drive a fully loaded Tesla Semi. Wingfield, a former Schneider driver, had previously been skeptical of electric vehicles. However, his firsthand experience with the Tesla Semi drove him to describe it as "truly a dream to drive."

Wingfield tested the truck both as a bobtail and while hooked to a loaded trailer. He particularly noted the truck's performance on an 8% grade, stating that even with a loaded trailer weighing over 70,000 pounds, it handled the hill with ease, requiring no additional effort from the driver. This was a stark contrast to a diesel truck, where drivers would need to build momentum before reaching a grade.

Wingfield also highlighted the advanced features of the Tesla Semi, such as redesigned side windows for bills of lading and a reduction in physical buttons in the cab, which streamlines the driving experience. He found the center-driving position easy to adapt to, thanks to advanced camera systems that minimized blind spots. While regenerative braking took some getting used to, Wingfield ultimately appreciated the long-term benefits.

The 500-mile range of the Tesla Semi is seen as an intentional design choice, balancing range with payload capacity. Wingfield believes the Semi is best suited for regional, local, and pickup-and-delivery applications, rather than long-haul routes. Tesla has already partnered with Pilot Flying J to expand charging infrastructure, providing a potential solution for long-haul operations.

However, Wingfield remains cautious, noting that diesel engines still dominate the long-haul market due to their superior range. Nonetheless, he acknowledges that electric trucks offer significant advantages in shorter-range applications, and as charging infrastructure improves, electric trucks could see increased adoption in the coming years.