Tesla is providing updates on its long-awaited electric semitruck project, stating that the Tesla Semi is on track for production-spec deliveries to customers by 2026. The company revealed that it is building a factory in Nevada that will be ramped up for customer deliveries and eventually reach a target capacity of 50,000 units a year. The Tesla Semi is currently in pilot testing with PepsiCo’s FritoLay division, with PepsiCo receiving an additional 50 trucks for the program. The company is testing approximately 35 trucks at the moment.
Tesla’s long-range Semi is expected to have a range of up to 500 miles with a 23,000-lb vehicle weight, while the standard-range truck will be capable of 300-mile trips with an unladen 20,000-lb vehicle weight. Real-world testing with Pepsico showed that the Tesla Semis were able to perform long-range runs of 250 and 520 miles with a vehicle weight including cargo of up to 82,000 lbs. The test fleet has accumulated 3.5 million test miles, with Tesla using the Semi to deliver batteries from Nevada to its main plant in Fremont in extreme weather and mountainous regions.
Tesla stock rose as much as 4.5% following the update on the Tesla Semi. The company’s executive, Dan Priestley, highlighted that the fast-charging capabilities of the trucks allow them to cover more than 1000 miles in a 24-hour period. These new details on the Tesla Semi come at a time when the company is going through shifts, including putting a renewed focus on its robotaxi program, plans to accelerate development of its low-cost Model 2 car, and making cuts across the business, particularly in its Supercharger unit. Shareholders are also set to vote on Musk’s proposed pay package ahead of the annual meeting.
Overall, the Tesla Semi project is progressing, with the company aiming for production-spec deliveries to customers by 2026 and eventually reaching a target capacity of 50,000 units a year. The trucks have shown promising performance in real-world testing, with a long-range of up to 500 miles and the ability to cover more than 1000 miles in a 24-hour period with fast charging. Tesla’s focus on its electric semitruck project comes amid other changes in the company, including shifts in priorities like the robotaxi program and plans for a low-cost Model 2 car. Shareholders will also be voting on Musk’s proposed pay package ahead of the annual meeting on June 13.
