Rave Reviews by PepsiCo EV Semi Test Drivers !!!

Pepsi is test driving semi trucks for Tesla, and has given rave reviews on the experience. Look at some of these comments.

• I think people miss one of the big things, the huge reduction in pollutants. We need more of this unless we like seeing the planet burn down around us every year.
• It’s so comfortable, easy to drive, you are so close to the front of the truck tractor that the views are amazing.
• The company has been pushing the trucks to their limits, and they have been impressed. They find Tesla Semi’s regenerative braking to be particularly beneficial. As an example, he explained that, on the way down Donner Pass when going to Nevada, the Tesla Semi was able to be energy neutral by recuperating energy from braking

All this equates to savings for the company. Also from the article ---

That’s incredible, considering a rate of $0.14 per kWh, the off-peak rate in Sacramento – this would result in a 23% fuel cost reduction over the most efficient diesel trucks. You can imagine how those savings could add up pretty quickly on a large fleet of trucks.

 

When your job depends on it, one rave review coming up.

It's got a 500 mile range, at best, when long haul truckers want to put in 650 mile days.

10,000 pounds of batteries takes the place of 10,000 pounds of cargo, so it carries less load.

That's why the Tesla semi is a niche product, for light loads and routes that stay in the same city. And other companies build electric vehicles which do that better.

 

It's probably not much heavier than a diesel, by the time you get rid of all the extra components - Pistons, cylinders, transmission, coolant system, exhaust system, catalytic convertors, tank of diesel, etc. It states in the article that, with the right charger, a 80% is achievable in 45 minutes. The driver can get lunch or inner, and get back on the road! So really - no negatives, but lots of pluses!

 

Since Tesla won’t post specs we have to try and figure it out. Engineers think the Tesla weighs about 8,000 lb. more than a comparable diesel unit.

Also, EV semis are subsidized heavily by diesel powered equipment. The EVs are allowed to be 82,000 GVW while diesels are allowed only 80,000 GVW. So the EV is causing more wear and tear on highway systems. Of course that’s minor compared to the fact EV semis are paying almost nothing to use roads anyway (around $550 annually) while the typical diesel rig pays over $4500 annually to maintain highways.

 

Depends on the state. In some states, EVs actually pay more in taxes than ICEs.

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...will-evs-be-charged-for-road-use-a1206432507/

The problem that many EV owners are facing is that some states are taxing electric vehicle drivers at rates much higher than the average driver pays in gas taxes, effectively punishing drivers for choosing a zero-emission alternative to traditional gas-burning vehicles.

 

Regarding weight. The latest state-of-the-art batteries are boasting a much higher KWH/KG rating, so the same range can be achieved, with less weight. Also, I think many EV drivers, of both cars and trucks, will start purchasing the lighter option EVs, with less range. When you can charge to 80% in 45 minutes, why not? Get lunch or dinner while you wait. In my case, I have no desire to carry around all that weight for the one-in-ten-thousand trip.

 

You will find I’m the odd bird that actually bases my posts on verifiable facts, not unsubstantiated opinions. I’m well aware of claims like your cite makes. But they are either trying to fool you or they are not good at math and don’t understand what causes wear to highway systems.

• Alabama - Annual fees of $265-$273
• Arkansas - Annual fees of $217, $225 or $230 depending on weight
• California - Annual fees of $153, yearly increase in accordance with the consumer price index
• Colorado - Annual fees of $50
• Georgia - Annual fees of $232.78 for noncommercial alternative fueled passenger vehicles
• Hawaii - Annual fees of $95
• Idaho - Annual fees of $209, $197 or $185 depending on vehicle age
• Illinois - Annual fees of $251
• Indiana - Annual fees of $186.35
• Iowa - Annual fees of $130
• Kansas - $100 total annual registration fee
• Kentucky - Annual fees of $131.50
• Louisiana - Fees of at least $198.50
• Michigan - $135 additional annual fee for BEVs up to 8,000 pounds, $235 additional annual fee for BEVs over 8,000 pounds
• Minnesota - Annual fees of $85 in addition to 1.25% of the vehicle’s base value
• Mississippi - Annual fees of $165
• Missouri - Annual fees of $93.25 up to $126.25, depending on the vehicle’s taxable horsepower
• Nebraska - Annual fees of $90
• North Carolina - Annual fees of $166
• North Dakota - Annual fees of $213, which varies depending on vehicle weight and year of registration
• Ohio - Annual fees of $231
• Oklahoma - Total fees for most passenger EVs would be $206
• Oregon - Annual fees of $153
• South Carolina - Biennial fees of $156-$160
• South Dakota - For non-commercial vehicles, total fees would range from $86 - $194
• Tennessee - Annual fees of $123.75
• Texas - $400 to register a new EVs, $200 annual fee thereafter
• Utah - Annual fees of $164
• Virginia - Annual fees of $104.75 or $109.75 depending on vehicle weight
• Washington - $255
• West Virginia - Annual fees of $251.50
• Wisconsin - Annual fees of $185
• Wyoming - $200 total annual fee

The average car uses 433 gallons gasoline annually. Pickups/vans use 636 gallons annually. That’s 465 gallons annually for cars and pickups/vans based on 16.5% of vehicles being pickups. That comes to $227 annual tax for gasoline based on $0.49 average U.S. gas tax. So we see only a handful of states charge EVs similar or slightly higher than average gas tax in fees. But wait, $0.18 of gas tax is federal tax to pay for federal spending on highways. And EVs are paying ZERO for that because the fees above are state fees not passed on to the federal government.

And remember, EVs are more destructive to roads than ICE vehicles on average because of higher weights and more torque. So factoring in real costs, all states are losing revenue for roads on EVs and the federal government is getting ZERO reimbursement from EVs for road maintenance/construction.

 

We shall see. I’m all for EV semis if they can compete. As of now they can’t compete even with open and hidden subsidies.

 

And yet, even with these taxes in each state, nearly every one of them pull money out of the General Fund (sales tax revenue) to help pay for roads. Counties pull money from a General Fund. What a bad deal for those who use Light Rail. Don't hear you complaining about their unfair treatment.

 

Complete and utter strawman. Not interested.

Light rail damages highways? LOL

 

Road taxes paid by Light Rail users are much more of an injustice than what you're describing. I own a plug-in hybrid. I pay a fee every year, when I get my plates, and I am more than willing - because I use the roads. EV owners pay fees - some states more, some less. Light Rail users pay the fees, and get nothing!

 

Dude. You don’t put gas in the light rail. LOL. I’m commenting on fuel tax avoidance.

I’m not taking about injustice. I’m simply pointing out everyone who drives ICE vehicles are subsidizing EV drivers.

I’m picturing the light rail pulling into a gas station and you as a rider running your credit card to fill the gas tank on the light rail. SMH. Best strawman of the week but it’s only Monday!

 

Dude, that is complaining about injustice. And untrue as well. EV drivers pay an additional tax when they register their vehicles. There are so many shills on this forum who HATE EVs and love gas-guzzlers, that you should all be embarrassed.

 

Ummm. I just used data and math to show additional registrations don’t cover lost revenue from gas tax in any state and fall far short in most states. And that the federal highway system gets ZERO revenue because these fees are state fees not passed on to federal. Everything I post is based on solid evidence. Your posts are opinions that can’t be backed up with data and mathematical examination of the data. I supplied the actual fees from each state. You post opinions. I show with simple math the fees are not equivalent to gas tax paid by ICE drivers. You post your opinion that isn’t correct with no supporting evidence.

I’m sorry you don’t like facts. I don’t hate EVs. I wish they worked for me. If they did I’d use them. Unfortunately they don’t. That’s just a fact. I don’t use a large SUV either because it has no use to me. I can say that and not hate ICE vehicles. I can post FACTS about hidden subsidies for EVs without hating EVs. You need to let go of such binary thinking.

I am trying to get folks like yourself to look at EV based on facts, not unicorns and rainbows. It’s a fact ICE drivers are subsidizing EVs. You guys have been led to believe EVs are cheaper to operate, but in reality that cost savings isn’t real. It is an illusion because someone else is paying the cost instead of you.

That’s not uncommon. Our economy is based on that model. My sector of the economy gets huge subsidies. I try to avoid taking the ones that are optional because I don’t want to profit from the work of others for something I haven’t done. I understand that’s not normal today. Most people want all the stuff they can get when someone else is paying the bill. You guys come up with all kinds of ways to justify taking from others. Profiting off others isn’t injustice to you folks. It’s a badge of honor.

However, when we are dealing with science we have to go off evidence and facts when we make decisions. Selfish motives to get things free from others shouldn’t be a factor. That’s why I’m here helping people get factual information they won’t get elsewhere. When there are people like you wanting a false narrative out there that helps you get free stuff whether or not it’s based on facts or evidence there needs to be a voice of reason that gives full disclosure so people can make rational decisions, not one based solely on greed or believed misinformation and disinformation.

Stating FACTS you are unaware of and deny when exposed to you is not me complaining about injustice. You are profiting off the backs of people in your state that drive ICE vehicles. You can accept that or deny it but it’s the truth based on evidence I’ve provided. If that upsets you to have that fact exposed that means something.

 

@Media_Truth,

Just so you know, there is not a light rail system in the US that isn’t highly subsidized. All are unprofitable and would not exist without people who never use them paying the bills.

Not only light rail. All public transportation is subsidized by non users.

 

When taking into consideration Local, State, and Federal taxes, roads are the number one subsidized entity in the US, and have been since the advent of cars. Gasoline taxes should pay most of these expenses, and don’t even come close. Trillions and trillions.

 

Just like solar, which comprised over 50% percent of new electrical capacity in 2023, EVs will take over in the automotive sector. This is for the betterment of our country and our world. You can continue to hide your head in the sand, or get on board.

 

Roads are part of "social overhead capital" and as such merit investment by the entire community.

 

EV's are the Y2K of our time.

 

Are they also that in England where the gas tax is much higher?

 

Roads are part of social overhead capital always and everywhere. Different governments decide their tax regimes as they see fit -- for better or worse.

 

Yep, and the US chooses to subsidize the oil industry.

 

Roads are not a subsidy for the oil industry.

 

Yep. But not gasoline taxes only. Taxes on all vehicles using the roads.

 

Eventually EVs will dominate. Never said otherwise. You are the one hiding your head in the sand. I’m educating you on what’s outside your sand hole. I’m educating you on facts you don’t see when your head is buried in the sand.

I’m not buying an EV until they are an advantage to me in some way. Now they are not. That’s just reality. I hope soon they get better so they work for “work”. I’d love it if they could do the work I need done. When they can do the work and don’t need subsidized to be competitive I’ll have them. Just reality dude.