The main reason it takes one semi so long to pass another isn't because of the grade it's because the companies put speed limits on their fleets. Example: Swift is governed at 65 mph and CR England is governed at 66 mph so it takes a long time to pass and clear a truck due to only being able to go one mile per hour faster. Then take into account the forward radar system and the passing semi has to get into the passing lane long before it's able to overtake the other vehicle.

Quote from: Gregory Brown on July 25, 2023, 01:13:14Any truck/trailer empty will pull up any hill ,mountain grades ,out run fully loaded semi trailer yet diesel engines run further b4 refueling 1,000 to 1,500 miles depend on size of fuel tanks . Tesla runs on batteries and only good for local ,short haul deliveries not long haul runs .

Motors output far more torque than engines and can make it up a hill much easier. While it is true a Tesla Semi has only up to 500 miles range, it's also important to note the legal require breaks for long haul trucking. And that break is enough to charge a semi enough until the next break.

Any truck/trailer empty will pull up any hill ,mountain grades ,out run fully loaded semi trailer yet diesel engines run further b4 refueling 1,000 to 1,500 miles depend on size of fuel tanks . Tesla runs on batteries and only good for local ,short haul deliveries not long haul runs .

Crazy how ppl complain about the speeds but yet are so excited to receive goods. If truckers just go on strike wonder how many days or weeks will it take for the entire country to beg us to go back to work. You can send it by plane, train, or boat and will still need a truck for distribution...how about ppl learn to have patience

The speed limiters which our government is trying to increase control of and slow all trucks to a uniform speed of 65 or slower is the reason for the slow trucks. Learn something about trucking please

Written by someone who knows nothing about trucks much less ever driven one.

There are far too many variables in this video to judge anything. Is the Tesla semi empty or loaded, what HP is the lead semi? What does he weigh? What gear ratios is he running? Is he early for his delivery and just saving fuel?
The guy following is doing the correct thing and just sitting behind, not trying to pass and blocking the flow of traffic.

As others have stated already. The majority of the time it's the electronic speed govenors and reduced power ratings on trucks that contribute to the elephant races. Main reasons for doing that is for lower insurance rates and mpg. My personal rig is not governed but I usually set cruise at 65mph for better mpg and if I need to get around someone I speed up to get around. I try my best not to be in the way. Most of these company rigs are also cut back to 400-475hp/1500-1700ftlbs to save fuel. Most drivers won't plan ahead when in rolling hills.  Not all trucks are hauling 80k lbs so some slow done going up hill at 65mph. A truck that's also governed at 65 but with less weight wips over to pass but doesn't quite make it at the summit. Then heavier truck speeds back up to 65 and they're in a dead heat beside each other. Neither one willing to back off. Many factors other then ICE. Maybe ride with an owner operator some time and see how it really is out on the road.

I agree on a flat road the govenors on trucks inhibit the passing ability. But going up a hill at 35 mph has nothing to do with the trucks governed speed. I do believe the govenors today to be somewhere in the 75mph range because they have passed me going that speed.

Quote from: Thumper_65590 on July 19, 2023, 13:59:57What many do not realize is that many of those ICE trucks are governed to a certain speed. 1 truck my be governed to 65 or 68 and the other one to 70. Most company trucks are this way. It makes it impossible for the driver to gain a little extra speed in order to pass. Hate to say this but i see the electric trucks being governed the same way and we will see the same thing.

The main reason for the limits being as much fuel savings as possible.  If the electricticty source is green or significantly cheaper, this may not be as much of a concern.  I do however, think that a weight based speed limiter would be an awesome thing to keep the roads safer and the 80k guys going 65-70mp instead of 80, and the empty 30-40k guys could be allowed to go up to the 80-85mph limits.

Shouldn't the heading of the story read diesel trucks OVERTAKEN by Tesla Semi? Asking for a friend

Quote from: Moss on July 19, 2023, 14:20:52I agree with the above. Those limiters are the main reason for the snail races. And since the first delivery of tesla trucks is due in December for Pepsi one could also conclude that the tesla truck is EMPTY and therefore weighs closer to 30k (?? Empty truck with massive batteries) and not the 80k more likely of the trucks adjacent carrying a full load.

Uhm, Pepsi already got their deliveries. But that Tesla semi does not have Pepsi colors so it isn't for pepsi. Most likely internal use, Tesla has been using semis to go from CA to Nevada facilities transporting batteries

QuoteIt usually takes forever for one semi truck to pass another and those driving behind it are in for an excruciating wait

What are people doing where they are in such a rush as to get somewhere faster?

Am I the odd one that leaves early, chills with plain old Cruise control for most stretches of road over a mile, and exists in a vacuum somehow able to get to my destination mentally serene? Does it *really* matter if I'm a little bit early or late,stuck behind a truck or in traffic?

I long ago gave up the dream where everyone just went the speed limit; that nobody would care about getting somewhere faster or beating someone else to a red light. It seems like speed is this mental aberration of humanity...not really sure why? Do people understand that speeding is aggressive and ultimately stresses their nervous systems?

But, yeah....battery trucks going up a hill fast will save the human from impatience...🤔

I agree with the above. Those limiters are the main reason for the snail races. And since the first delivery of tesla trucks is due in December for Pepsi one could also conclude that the tesla truck is EMPTY and therefore weighs closer to 30k (?? Empty truck with massive batteries) and not the 80k more likely of the trucks adjacent carrying a full load.

What many do not realize is that many of those ICE trucks are governed to a certain speed. 1 truck my be governed to 65 or 68 and the other one to 70. Most company trucks are this way. It makes it impossible for the driver to gain a little extra speed in order to pass. Hate to say this but i see the electric trucks being governed the same way and we will see the same thing.