Covenant, a transportation company, recently completed a two-week testing period with the Tesla Semi, one of the most highly anticipated electric trucks in the industry. The testing took place with one of Covenant’s larger customers in California, as reported by Matt McLelland, the company’s VP of Sustainability and Innovation.
One of the final tests involved the Tesla Semi navigating a challenging section of I-5 between Santa Clarita and the San Joaquin Valley, known as “The Grapevine.” This route is crucial for trucks transporting cargo from major ports in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Long Beach. The Grapevine sits at an elevation of 4,160 feet, making it the highest point on I-5 in California. The northbound descent from Tejon Summit drops 2,613 feet over 11.6 miles, with a steep section featuring a six per cent grade for five miles.
Driving the Grapevine with a loaded trailer is a demanding real-world test for any truck. McLelland explained that maintaining momentum on steep grades with a heavy load can be challenging, as speed decreases rapidly and regaining momentum is difficult. Going southbound requires careful attention to braking and heat management, although McLelland noted that this is less of a concern for electric vehicles due to regenerative braking handling most of the work.
Even for experienced drivers, navigating the Grapevine can be a stressful experience. However, Covenant’s driver was impressed by the performance of the Tesla Semi and expressed a level of confidence that is hard to match in a traditional diesel truck.
A comprehensive summary of the testing data is expected to be released soon, providing valuable insights into the Tesla Semi’s capabilities and performance on challenging terrains. Stay tuned for more updates on Covenant’s testing of the Tesla Semi and its impact on the transportation industry.