Iowa trucking company reserves five Tesla electric semi trucks

Ruan Transportation Management Systems has reserved five of Tesla's new electric tractor trailers for testing and delivery next year.

Des Moines-based Ruan Transportation will add at least five Tesla semis to its fleet in 2019. The company plans to test the vehicle prototypes in California before they're delivered.

"These new trucks stand to revolutionize interstate transport and change the way we do business. Ruan has always been a leader in efficient transport and logistics, so it makes perfect sense to explore what these trucks could do for us and our customers," James Cade, vice president of fleet services for Ruan, said in a news release.

Ruan officials say they've been in touch with Tesla throughout its development process leading up to CEO Elon Musk's November announcement of the Tesla Semi prototype.

Ruan will pay about $180,000 per vehicle. For comparison, most diesel-powered tractors cost about $100,000. Tesla predicts the electric vehicle will pay for itself within two years due to savings in fuel, aerodynamics and reliability.

Some specifics are still undetermined, mainly the total operating cost, charging method and the targeted weight for the vehicles.

"We have many questions as the trucks continue to be developed. But we are excited for the potential they hold and are working directly with Tesla to get the answers we need before putting this technology to use," Cade said in the news release. "It is our hope that using the Tesla tractor-trailers will eventually reduce our costs, keep our drivers and cargo safer and help us continue our tradition of industry-leading service and reliability."

One of the Tesla Semi's biggest changes in the placement of the driver's seat. It is dead center and far forward thanks to the absence of an engine, allowing greater road visibility. A jump seat is positioned to the right and rear of the driver.

Tesla's trucks will feature wrap-around windshields and heads-up displays for improved visibility, as well as Tesla’s proprietary Enhanced Autopilot system, with automatic emergency braking, jackknife prevention, forward collision warning and automatic lane keeping capabilities. The company also promises a near infinite brake life and a drive train guarantee for 1 million miles.