Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

lankyevilme t1_izzjglr wrote

Reply to comment by DrScience01 in Tesla Semi 500-Mile Trip Video Shows Truck May Have Had a Lower GVW Than 81,000 Lb by Ssider69

They are trying to throw a carrot to the electric truck because the batteries are so heavy. An extra 2000lbs isn't going to make much difference to the roads, but can offset some of the extra weight of the heavy battery packs of the electric semis.

7

Ok-Welder-4816 t1_izzx7f4 wrote

Actually it does make a big difference. Road damage increases proportional to the 4th power of GVW.

Some simple math shows that cars do just a couple % of damage, whereas trucks do the vast majority.

0

Ancient_Persimmon t1_j03jpk5 wrote

Trucks do the vast majority of damage, but a difference of ~2.5%, which is about the weight of full fuel tanks isn't going to change that amount by an appreciable amount.

Especially since many states and provinces actually allow more than the federal standard, provided the axle count/configuration meets their rules. Michigan goes up to 164 000lbs with 11 axles and Quebec/Ontario are similar.

1