Tesla Begins Deliveries of Electric Semi Trucks After Decade-Long Development
Tesla has started delivering its all-electric Semi trucks to customers nearly a decade after its initial reveal and subsequent delays. The company plans to produce up to 50,000 units annually.
Tesla has commenced deliveries of its all-electric Semi trucks to customers, marking the start of production almost a decade after the vehicle was first revealed in 2017. The company experienced significant delays and refinements before reaching this production stage.
Executives stated at an event in Reno, Nevada, that customers can take delivery of the trucks as they become available, though charging infrastructure remains a hurdle. The event also showcased a new factory dedicated to Semi production, adjacent to Tesla's original Gigafactory.
Tesla aims to produce as many as 50,000 trucks annually at the new plant, which is expected to create 3,000 local jobs. The most capable version of the Semi is projected to offer a range of over 500 miles on a single charge, with an estimated price tag of nearly $300,000 before incentives.
The launch occurs as Tesla undergoes a strategic shift, increasingly focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics, despite vehicle sales still constituting the vast majority of its revenue. This new focus contrasts with its original mission of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy.