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HAWTHORNE, CALIF.—On Thursday evening, a couple of months later than originally promised, Tesla showed the world its first proper look at the company's heavy duty electric vehicle, the Tesla Semi. The tractor can hook up with any trailer, no brand-specific trailer is necessary.

But let’s get some statistics on what those 2019 electric trucks will look like:


The 500 mile range is particularly interesting news given that Reuters reported earlier this year that Tesla's truck would have 200-300 miles of range. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics notes that "most freight shipments by value and tonnage move less than 250 miles." Those shipments include freight that travels by train, waterway, and pipeline, but shipments along those lines tend to be longer-hauls.


Tesla also said it was working on a charging solution that would allow the truck to charge up to an equivalent of 400 miles in 30 minutes. At an evening event, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company was working on "Megachargers" that would be solar-powered, ensuring guaranteed electricity prices for truckers.


Musk also said that the Semi powertrain would be guaranteed for a million miles. The windshield glass would also be very strong, Musk said, joking that it was thermonuclear explosion-proof glass. "Survive a thermonuclear explosion or your money back," the CEO told the crowd.


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