Tesla begins Semi deliveries, nine years after unveiling the electric truck

Tesla has begun the first deliveries of its Semi electric truck to an initial group of customers this week, reports Automotive World (September 25). It is the culmination of a project unveiled nearly nine years ago, in 2017.

A dedicated plant inaugurated in Nevada

The automaker formally inaugurated the Semi's dedicated production plant in Sparks, Nevada. Tesla reiterated a capacity of 50,000 trucks a year, or roughly 1,000 a week, but disclosed no official pricing or production volumes.

A price far higher than the 2017 pitch

Reports earlier in the year said Tesla was quoting customers about US$290,000 for the 500-mile Long Range version, up from the US$150,000 to US$180,000 originally advertised in 2017.

The Semi targets decarbonised long-haul freight with extended range and fast charging, in a segment where competition (Daimler, Volvo, Nikola) is intensifying.

Source: Automotive World — Tesla begins Semi deliveries nine years after unveiling