Tesla launched mass production of its long-delayed Semi electric truck nearly seven years after first unveiling the vehicle in 2017. The company had initially targeted a 2019 release but previously produced only limited batches for select commercial partners. The updated Semi enters production with design changes and significantly higher pricing than originally announced.
Tesla said the electric truck can haul up to 36 tons with a driving range of approximately 800 kilometers on a full charge. The company also claims the Semi can recharge up to 60% of battery capacity within 30 minutes using high-speed charging infrastructure.
The vehicle’s starting price has reportedly increased to about $260,000 from the initially projected $150,000, reflecting rising battery costs, inflation, and expanded production requirements for heavy-duty electric transport.