Elon Musk recently announced that the Tesla Semi, a class 8 electric truck, will soon be available worldwide, although production is still ramping up. The Tesla Semi has been gaining traction recently, despite skepticism regarding its feasibility, particularly concerning its advertised 500-mile range. This skepticism is compounded by Tesla’s ongoing credibility issues in the realm of vehicle autonomy.
Recent trials, including one conducted with DHL, are beginning to validate Tesla’s claims about the performance of its semi-trucks.
Tesla Semi will be available worldwide https://t.co/qo9504baST
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 15, 2024
This comes as the long-awaited vehicle program, initially slated for production in 2019, prepares to enter volume production after significant delays.
Currently, Tesla operates a low-volume production line in a facility adjacent to its Gigafactory in Nevada, near Reno. The company is now constructing an additional plant next to this factory with plans to commence mass production of the Tesla Semi in 2025, targeting an eventual output of up to 50,000 trucks per year.
While the Tesla Semi program has primarily focused on the North American market, Musk indicated earlier this year that production could also extend to Europe at Gigafactory Berlin. Last month, Tesla showcased a slightly modified version of the Semi at the IAA in Europe to comply with EU regulations. Following this, the Tesla Semi visited Gigafactory Berlin, where Musk confirmed the company’s intention to make the vehicle available globally.
The exact implications of Musk’s statement about global availability remain unclear, particularly as Tesla’s current vehicle lineup is not widely accessible in all regions. However, it is likely that he was referring to areas where Tesla already operates.
