Prime Highlights-
- Tesla begins first Semi electric truck deliveries at its Sparks, Nevada plant.
- Company reaffirms plans to build 50,000 Semis a year as shipper demand grows.
Key Facts-
- Long-range Semi delivers 500 miles per charge; standard variant offers 325 miles.
- Shipper coalition orders 2,500 Semis; Einride AB adds 500 more trucks.
Background-
Tesla has started delivering its Semi electric trucks to its first customers, executives announced at the company’s plant in Sparks, Nevada, nearly nine years after CEO Elon Musk unveiled the electric big rig.
The Semi extends Tesla’s reach beyond electric sedans and SUVs into commercial freight, arriving as diesel prices in the US climb to record highs. Tesla did not share pricing or volume details but reaffirmed plans to build 50,000 Semis yearly at the Nevada plant.
Musk addressed the launch through a recorded video message, encouraging customers to place orders given strong demand on the waiting list. Customers including PepsiCo, DHL and US Foods joined the event on stage, with trucks bearing their logos displayed outside the plant.
The long-range Semi can travel 500 miles on a single charge when loaded, a range Tesla’s Semi engineering director Dan Priestley said customers have validated in real-world use. A standard variant offers 325 miles.
Tesla first unveiled the Semi in 2017 and later moved its production timeline to this year. The company began limited deliveries to early customers, including PepsiCo, in 2022 and has built momentum since.
Demand for the Semi remains strong, with Tesla recently securing an order for 2,500 units from a coalition of major shippers, including Microsoft and PepsiCo, according to clean transportation nonprofit Catalyst Mobility, nearly doubling the existing US electric Class 8 truck fleet. Swedish firm Einride AB separately agreed to add 500 Semi trucks to its fleet.
