In a post on Twitter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced the company will unveil a semi-truck in September. Then, prompted by a response to the post, Musk revealed that a Tesla pickup is coming in 18 to 24 months.
Tesla Semi truck unveil set for September. Team has done an amazing job. Seriously next level.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 13, 2017
@NoahMagel Pickup truck unveil in 18 to 24 months
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 13, 2017
Tesla isn’t the only company working on zero emissions trucks. Another company named after the same man, Nikola Motor Company is developing a hydrogen powered semi with zero emissions and a range of 800-1,200 miles.
Cummins has also developed engines that are installed in Peterbilt trucks which run on natural gas and produce NOx emissions similar to those of electric vehicles once grid emissions are factored in.
The race to produce more efficient trucks is certainly good for the environment, but will also help shield shipping companies from fuel costs in a market that is ever more dependent on the door-to-door model of e-commerce.
