After nearly a decade in development, Tesla is finally moving the Semi from a lengthy development cycle into full-scale production. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the all-electric Class 8 truck is entering “volume production” at a newly dedicated facility in Nevada, following 98 months of anticipation and limited pilot programs with fleets like PepsiCo.
The production Semi features slight modifications compared to the 2017 concept. Tesla is now officially offering two variants: a Standard Range model with a range of 325 miles and a Long Range flagship model achieving the promised 500 miles on a single charge. Both range estimates are calculated at a maximum gross vehicle weight of 82,000 pounds. The truck utilizes a tri-motor system on the rear axles, delivering a substantial 800 kW (1072 hp) of power, ensuring sustained highway speeds even on steep inclines.
Efficiency remains a key strength of the Semi, with Tesla achieving an energy consumption rate of 1.7 kWh per mile. While the exact battery sizes remain proprietary, these figures suggest the Standard Range model has a battery capacity of approximately 550 kWh, while the Long Range version likely features a substantial battery pack ranging from 875 kWh to 900 kWh. To support operation of these heavy-duty vehicles, the Long Range variant supports a maximum charging rate of 1.2 MW through the Megawatt Charging System (MCS 3.2), allowing for a 60% charge in 30 minutes – coinciding with a mandatory driver rest period.
But, the starting prices from 2017 have been adjusted. Recent offers to customers and government filings indicate a price increase of approximately 60%. The Standard Range is now expected to start at €232,000 (approximately $250,000 USD), while the Long Range variant will cost €269,000 (approximately $290,000 USD). While this is a significant increase from the initial target of €160,000 (approximately $173,000 USD), it remains below the current average price for Class 8 electric trucks, which was around €420,000 (approximately $453,000 USD) in 2024. Fleet managers will find the calculations still favor electric trucks, with projected savings in fuel and maintenance potentially offsetting the higher upfront cost compared to diesel trucks within approximately four years of operation.
The 2026 version also features subtle exterior improvements, including a redesigned front fascia with aerodynamic air intakes and a more rounded roofline to further reduce the drag coefficient. The interior retains the driver-centric layout, now complemented by an interface that includes a 25 kW Electric Power Take-Off (ePTO) for powering auxiliary equipment such as refrigerated trailers.
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