Tesla Delays Electric HGV Launch

Tesla has pushed back the release of their all-electric HGV yet again, with the new date being set as 16th November 2017. Formerly due to be released in September this year, the new HGV promises to change the face of haulage by converting one of the largest and most long-distance vehicles to run without fossil fuels and with fully renewable energy.

However, the delays promise to be well worth it. The new Tesla Model 3 lorry will be able to run for an estimated 200-300 miles, quashing fears that electric vehicles will require charging too often to be able to serve the haulage industry effectively. This is the first time Tesla have given any indication as to the specifications of the new vehicle, and the stats certainly seem set to disrupt the HGV sector.

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi have beaten Tesla to the punch when it comes to launching electric HGVs, unveiling their own version earlier this month. The Mitsubishi FUSO is entirely battery powered. Although smaller than the planned Tesla model, and with a smaller range of 80 miles for each charge, it could be ideal for short haul deliveries.

However, Tesla could face some direct competition from Mitsubishi yet. There are plans from the Japanese manufacturer to launch a truck a similar size to Tesla’s this year. Of course, these are only two of the manufacturers looking for solutions to fossil fuel powered HGVs. In this blog just a few weeks ago, we also announced the work of Volvo in producing a vehicle powered by biogas.

With so many manufacturers competing to create alternatives to traditional HGVs, it’s clear this is the direction in which the industry is going. The news will be a relief to environmentalists, with HGVs currently delivering more than their fair share of pollution compared with their numbers on the road.