Tesla Semi gets another electric truck order, test partner gives insight into the program

The Tesla Semi reservation tally keeps growing months after the electric truck’s unveiling last year.

Now, Des Moines-based Ruan Transportation Management Systems adds 5 Tesla Semi trucks to the tally.

James Cade, Vice President of Fleet Services for Ruan, commented on the announcement in a press release today:

“These new trucks stand to revolutionize interstate transport and change the way we do business. Ruan has always been a leader in efficient transport and logistics, so it makes perfect sense to explore what these trucks could do for us and our customers,”

The company says that it expects to take delivery of the trucks next year and they say that they will get access to “test vehicle prototypes” in California ahead of delivery.

They wrote in a press release:

“Ruan and Tesla have been in frequent communication throughout the development process, with Tesla inviting Ruan representatives to take part in numerous on-site meetings and discussions in the six months prior to the November unveiling.”

Ruan expects to pay “approximately $180,000” per truck, which they admit is more than the “around $100,000” for diesel-powered tractors. However, they are betting on fuel and maintenance savings making the purchase financially viable after just a few years of operation.

Cade added:

“We have many questions as the trucks continue to be developed. But we are excited for the potential they hold and are working directly with Tesla to get the answers we need before putting this technology to use. It is our hope that using the Tesla tractor-trailers will eventually reduce our costs, keep our drivers and cargo safer and help us continue our tradition of industry-leading service and reliability,”

The company says that they will try to keep us updated on the testing process.

While the specs are quite unbelievable, a Tesla Semi test program partner said last month that performance specs are for real after first-hand experience. Also, a Tesla Semi prototype was spotted driving in the wild in a great new sighting last week.

Tesla plans to bring the vehicle to market as soon as next year.