Automaker JAC could soon release an electric truck modeled after the Tesla Semi. The upcoming JAC electric truck was spotted in China and bears a similar design as the Tesla Semi.

The transition of heavy-duty transportation from fossil fuels to electricity has a massive implication in the transportation ecosystem. As the transition to electric mobility progresses at a high pace, many firms are adding electric options to their heavy-duty truck range.

The Tesla Semi is one of the most popular electric trucks in the market. It has been widely anticipated across global markets and is built for long-haul movements. The Tesla Semi can cover up to 500 miles (~805km) on a single charge. It also has a low energy consumption per mile (2kWh/ mile).

It seems the finer details of the Tesla Semi have inspired JAC to develop its own electric truck. The Tesla Semi lookalike truck was recently spotted in China with some images also available of its cockpit. The JAC electric truck’s cockpit has the same 3-seat cabin layout as the Semi, with the driver ensconced between two passengers.

The JAC electric truck features two 246kW electric motors and has a top speed of 89km/h. The yet-to-be-released electric truck has a swappable battery architecture that delivers up to 350km on a single charge. The swappable battery packs add another layer of versatility to the truck. With high-octane charging speeds between 350kW and 1MW being developed, the range of the EV is expandable.

The challenge remains however of providing the needed power infrastructure to accommodate any heavy electric truck rollout. Electric truck charging stations could require up to 50MW of power, which is about the power requirements of a small town. The development of electric trucks therefore holds the potential of also improving other aspects of infrastructure.

Battery swapping is another viable option that has less power requirements. It could also open up other financing models for greater functionality and coverage. There are no indications yet on the release date and pricing of the JAC electric truck.

RELATED:

The post JAC Electric Truck inspired by the Tesla Semi spotted in China appeared first on Gizmochina.