{
  "id": 11068620,
  "title": "Tesla Semi DRIVES like a dream? A veteran trucker’s honest review",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/tesla-semi-drives-like-a-dream-a-veteran-truckers-honest-review",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T00:15:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "FreightWaves",
    "slug": "freightwaves",
    "url": "https://www.freightwaves.com/news/tesla-semi-drives-like-a-dream-a-veteran-truckers-honest-review"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "After years of skepticism, FreightWaves’ Adam Wingfield, a former over-the-road truck driver, finally got behind the wheel of a fully loaded Tesla Semi. He shares his honest, unfiltered experience – from tackling an 8% grade with ease to the surprising comfort and advanced features that could reshape the future of short-haul trucking. Was it enough […] The post Tesla Semi DRIVES like a dream? A…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}