Tesla is stepping up its infrastructure development for the Tesla Semi, introducing a powerful new 1.2 megawatt charging system and expanding its public charging network for electric trucks, the company announced at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in California.
Dan Priestley, head of the Semi programme at Tesla, presented the company’s next phase in commercial electrification, anchored by the launch of its new V4 charging architecture. Designed for industrial use, the 1.2 MW system shares core components with Tesla’s passenger vehicle chargers, reducing costs and enabling faster deployment. “Most of the internals are exactly the same,” Priestley said, noting only the cable, connector, and a few elements are modified for heavy-duty applications.
Tesla’s new system aims to shrink the equipment footprint by more than 50% compared to existing electric truck chargers, allowing operators to optimize yard space. The modular architecture can support dedicated 1.2 MW posts or be configured to charge up to eight trucks simultaneously. Despite its minimal design, the unit incorporates advanced power conversion and reliability systems. “Don’t be fooled by the fact that it’s just a simple looking box,” Priestley added. “It integrates next level engineering.”
The system will be maintained by the same teams servicing Tesla’s passenger charging infrastructure, which Priestley noted has “an uptime of more than 99.95%.” Tesla is currently building 46 public charging hubs for the Semi along key freight corridors, which will feature over 300 MW-capable chargers and begin operations later this year. Additional sites are planned for 2026.
Tesla is also rolling out overnight charging solutions for fleet operators with predictable schedules, offering off-peak charging to reduce energy costs. The dual system—high-speed public charging and overnight private charging—aims to provide a total cost of ownership advantage over diesel. “Public charging can serve as a bridge solution while we’re waiting for infrastructure or utility upgrades,” Priestley said.
Production of the Tesla Semi is set to begin at the company’s Gigafactory in Nevada, with an annual capacity of 50,000 units. “We need partners to go along this journey with us,” Priestley said, encouraging collaboration with fleet operators. “The future is bright. And it’s electric.”