Tesla Semi deliveries kick off in Nevada

Nearly nine years after its first unveiling, Tesla has begun series production of its electric truck. The first production Tesla Semis have been delivered to major commercial customers at the expanded factory in Sparks, Nevada. Here are the key figures:

• range of 500 miles with a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing 81,600 pounds
• 4680 battery cells and Megachargers enable charging at megawatt power levels
• target of 50,000 vehicles a year once the factory reaches full capacity

Shared technology and expanded production in Nevada

The production Semi draws on Tesla's passenger car manufacturing. The trucks built in Nevada use Tesla's 4680 battery cells and electrical components from the Cybertruck, including the stator and steering system. An updated version of the integrated thermal system developed for the Cybercab project manages the temperature of the power electronics. Sharing these components is intended to improve reliability and reduce manufacturing costs. Tesla says its Megacharger technology can charge the battery to 70 percent in 30 minutes. Management also announced driver assistance features that will be enabled gradually for heavy-duty trucking to improve safety on long-distance routes.

Market conditions, fleet customers and global expansion

The factory is designed to produce up to 50,000 trucks per year. Early customers for the production Semi include PepsiCo, DHL and US Foods, which are using the trucks in their fleets. Tesla plans to introduce the electric semi-truck in Europe in 2027, where it will compete with models including the Volvo FH Electric, Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 and Scania 45 R. European manufacturers already have dealer networks and charging infrastructure, while Tesla is building a dedicated Megacharger network along major freight routes as it delivers the Semi.