What do you think of when you hear the words sleek, innovative, and disruptive? You may be thinking of Silicon Valley and the internet technology industry. We were thinking of the near-future of the logistics industry. The logistics industry has been described as “boring” and “slow to adapt to change.” Well, these descriptors will soon be outdated in light of Tesla’s most recent unveiling. The Tesla Truck might just cause an industry change that hasn’t been seen in nearly 100 years!
The Specifications of the Industry Disrupter
First, let’s talk about the claimed specs of this new industry beast.
- Mile Range 300 – 500 miles on one charge.
- Acceleration from 0 – 60 mph with 80k lbs is 20 secs.
- 4 Independent Motors on rear axles.
- Speed up 5% grade is 60 mph.
- Energy Consumption is less than 2 kWh per mile.
- Drag coefficient that competes with a sports car (Cd = 0.36).
- Mega Charger that provides a 400 mile range will charge truck in 30 minutes.
These specs are just the most pertinent ones regarding the current industry but Musk mentioned other improvements like the thermo-nuclear explosion-proof windshield, and a redesigned cabin that makes driving a truck look sleeker and more desirable.
The Changed Industry
Based on all of the innovative specifications listed above, we can predict certain changes that might occur as a result of this futuristic toy hitting the market. The first of these, of course, is the change to fuel costs and the need to plan routes to refuel at stations. Because of the on-board Mega Charger, drivers will no longer have to travel off the set path to make sure they are re-fueled. This is a big deal for National Hot Shot drivers and Expedited Freight loads, as their path to the intended drop-off point will be direct and hassle-free.
Another expected change is the design, cabin comfort and “the look” that this will provide the industry. There has been a problem with there being a driver shortage in the North American market. A lot of this, like-it-or-not, has a lot to do with the perceived “dullness” of being a driver and working in the logistics. As people inside the industry, you and I know that this business is anything but dull. However, it is hard to change the way that people on the outside view it. This innovative design, user-friendly, and environmentally-friendly new ride will attract many new, younger drivers and help to bridge the gap of driver supply and demand.
Most of all, innovation always spurs on more innovation. In an industry that has been slow to change and adapt, this unveiling can only be good. As industry insiders, we see the changes that need to be made, and hopefully this innovation is exactly what we need to spark the revolution.