Tesla begins volume production of long-awaited Semi truck, announces first customers
Tesla started mass-producing its Semi truck in April 2026 and this week began delivering units to customers such as PepsiCo and DHL.
Tesla’s long-delayed electric Semi truck finally entered full-scale manufacturing in April 2026 at a dedicated plant adjacent to its Gigafactory Nevada, capable of producing 50,000 trucks annually. The company used the launch event to reveal a roster of inaugural customers, among them PepsiCo, US Foods, DHL, WattEV, ABF, Einride, IMC Logistics and OK Produce, though it withheld exact order sizes and pricing. The Semi now comes in two trims: a Standard Range delivering 325 miles and a Long Range delivering 500 miles while hauling the maximum 82,000-lb gross weight, powered by in-house 4680 cells and a lighter drivetrain.
Engineers highlighted efficiency gains, a 1,700 Wh/mile consumption figure and a redesigned powertrain that should last over 250,000 miles with minimal oil. Tesla is also rolling out a Megacharger network capable of adding 60 % charge in about half an hour, aiming for more than 30 stations by year-end. Musk, attending a state dinner in Washington, DC, called the Semi “the funnest truck to drive” and stressed its potential to cut freight costs amid soaring diesel prices.
Why it matters
The Semi’s production could accelerate the shift to electric freight, reducing diesel use and operating costs for major shippers.
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