Tesla Semi: Do its dimensions prevent it from entering Europe?
This page is translated from the original post "Tesla Semi : ses dimensions lui interdisent-elles l’Europe ?" in French.
- 14/10/2023 11:25
A strong lobbying effort should open in the European Union to authorize – or not – the electric truck from Tesla.
The topic is starting to be mentioned cautiously: what if Europe, to protect its domestic market from established manufacturers like Mercedes or Volvo, decided not to authorize the Tesla Semi on its soil?
The scenario is easy to imagine, as it currently involves a regulatory status quo at the European level based on a law that is several decades old. That law concerns the total length of a semi-trailer, which is the combination of the tractor and its trailer.
Currently, this is regulated at 16.50 meters: 13.60 meters for the trailer + 2.90 meters for the tractor (including 2.35 meters for the cab). That’s why Mercedes has just introduced its 100% electric model, the Actros e600, with a very traditional architecture.
Conversely, Tesla and its Semi, more aligned with the American tradition of owning imposing trucks with a long hood, has opted for a much larger tractor to increase battery capacity. But the problem is: in its current form, this solution would not be authorized in Europe, as the Tesla Semi is 1.05 meters too long according to the law.
The choice by Tesla to use an XXL battery has notably led to doubling its rear axle, whereas the Mercedes Actros only has a single one.
The negotiations promise to be tumultuous, as it’s hard to imagine Tesla’s competitors rolling out the red carpet for them to take a share of the green logistics pie in Europe. Unless Tesla later introduces aXS version of its Semi.
The story will continue in the next episode.
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