Before Tesla’s electrical semi-truck reveal, the company has been in talks with Nevada to test latest autonomous technology that it refers as “platooning.” This is according to an e-mail exchange in between the automaker and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Furthermore, as per a California DMV spokesperson, Tesla consulted with California authorities on Wednesday to talk about the company’s autonomous semi-truck innovation however is not familiar with the trucks’ autonomy level.
Part of a May and June e-mail exchange between these two included the program for a meeting on June 16 with the Nevada Department of Transportation. That program discussed the testing of two prototype trucks in Nevada.
“To insure we are on the very same page, our main goal is the ability to operate our model test trucks in a constant way throughout the state line and within the States of Nevada and California in a platooning and/or Autonomous mode without having an individual in the vehicle,” Tesla regulative official Nasser Zamani wrote to a Nevada DMV official. On July 10, Zamani asked the Nevada DMV about the terms for obtaining a testing license.
Platooning is an driving formation that needs trucks to follow one another carefully, led by a lead automobile with a motorist or geared up with semi- or completely autonomous driving technology when enabled. The trailing trucks merely follow along, potentially cutting the requirement for drivers or enabling them to rest. This kind of innovation is practically best for long run semi-trucks as they typically maintain consistent speeds and encounter minimal cross-traffic when taking a trip on interstate highways. Tesla is not the only one in establishing this type of technology. Silicon Valley startup Peloton Technology is dealing with a number of truck makers on its platooning system.
In 2016, as part of his Master Plan Part Deux, Tesla CEO Elon Musk described the company’s future product method, including its preparation for an electric semi-truck. In April, he teased a picture of the electrical semi and stated the unveiling would be held in September. He restated that pledge at the company’s June shareholder meeting.
