Tesla Semi and the Modern Fleet: A Technology Driven Industry

The next wave of transportation is here: what does this mean for the fleet industry?

The next wave of the transportation industry is here: it’s fully electric, powerful enough to achieve a range of 500 miles when fully charged, and comes in a sleek design. Tesla’s reveal of the Tesla Semi this past November made the desired improvements many in the automotive industry have been talking about for years a reality, such as increased efficiency and less hassle using technology.

Whether you’re considering adding yourself to the pre-order list or not, the introduction of the Tesla Semi demonstrates the reality of a changing landscape. So, what does this really mean for the fleet industry?

More miles, less stress

The Tesla Semi exemplifies how technology integrations in fleets will continue to make a driver’s job easier, not more stressful or overly-complicated. This includes during the drive itself, with a fully-electric semi-truck offering features like the elimination of gear shift for an easier time for drivers on the road, as well as incredible speed capacity, and therefore productivity. The Tesla Semi will be powerful enough to reach a range of 500 miles on a full charge, as opposed to a 250-mile average speed of freight shipments. With this kind of speed and a maximum load weight of 80,000, the Tesla Semi promises efficiency.

We’ve already seen how technology focused on fleet management can boost fleet productivity and profitability. Electric vehicles are part of the overall equation for saving time and resources.

Assistance, not autonomous 

You may be wondering how this will affect driver job security. The answer is not by much, if at all. Technology is nowhere near replacing drivers with machines. In fact, fleet companies are expected to experience a shortage of drivers in upcoming years.

The reality is that significant developments in the ability for cars to effectively communicate with one another and various aspects of the automotive infrastructure (stoplights, road signs, etc.) will need to be done for autonomous driving to ever take off. With the demand for fast and convenient deliveries higher than ever thanks to online shopping, the fleet industry is expecting a surge in driver positions.

An economical long run

Lower fuel consumption is another highly relevant benefit that comes with the introduction of the Tesla Semi. Not only is the 500-mile range a significant improvement compared to other electric and hybrid vehicles, such as the Mercedes heavy duty truck’s 124-mile range, but the market is projected to rapidly grow with Tesla’s entrance. As competition grows, prices will drop, and profit margins will continue to grow as you save big on fuel.

While drivers certainly shouldn’t quit their day jobs with the introduction of Tesla Semi, there is no doubt technology is changing the way we drive. From real-time access into fleet deliveries with GPS tracking, to using aggregated data for improved operational decisions, technology is and will continue to work together with fleet managers and drivers for a more efficient job. You can learn more about how technology is already helping fleet professionals make intelligent management decisions here.