Alex Roy

What is the Tesla Semi?

The Tesla Semi is Tesla’s big leap into the heavy-duty electric trucking game, first teased back in 2017. Fast forward to 2025, and this Class 8 electric hauler is finally moving from low-volume novelty to high-volume production reality. It’s built to haul freight with zero emissions, a 500-mile (805 km) range on a single charge, and a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) sprint in just 20 seconds while loaded.

The Semi packs a massive 1,000-volt architecture and taps into Tesla’s 750 kW megacharger network to juice up 70% of its range in about 30 minutes. Big names like PepsiCo and US Foods are already taking delivery, but Tesla’s still playing catch-up with Freightliner and Volvo in terms of actual units on the road.

Electric Semi Truck Range and Charging Efficiency

Let’s talk range and charging—because if a truck can’t haul long and hard, what’s the point? Tesla says the Semi will do 500 miles (805 km) on a full battery, though that’s best-case, no-wind, no-hills conditions. In the real world, weight and terrain eat into that figure. But don’t write it off. One test run clocked over 1,000 miles (1,609 km) in a day with fast top-ups. The 750 kW megachargers are key here, juicing the battery up to 70% in half an hour—just enough time to grab a burrito and hit the road again. Tesla plans 46 of these chargers across key U.S. freight corridors by 2027, focusing first on the southern belt.

Tesla Semi Specs and Production Timeline

Production’s finally heating up at Gigafactory Nevada. After years of delays, Tesla aims to crank out 50,000 Semis annually by 2026. That’s a big leap from the estimated 140 units built since 2022. The factory buildout is moving fast—HVAC, walls, and even the light poles are in. Tesla’s also staffing up, hiring over 1,000 folks in Nevada to make it happen. The Semi’s got a 25 kW e-PTO system to run refrigeration units, perfect for companies like US Foods. And it’s not just for show—these trucks are hauling real loads. PepsiCo's been fielding units since late 2022 with solid feedback on efficiency and handling.

Electric Freight Truck Market Competition

Tesla’s not cruising alone on the electric highway. Volvo’s already sold 5,000 electric trucks, and Freightliner’s eCascadia has logged over 6 million miles across 50 fleets. Then there’s Mack with its Pioneer model, offering 300 miles (483 km) of range. What gives those brands an edge? Legacy manufacturing muscle and—maybe more importantly—real units already out working. Meanwhile, Tesla Semi’s sticker shock has climbed to $415,000 (€381,500), pricing out some potential buyers. The fuel savings—around $200,000 over three years—helps soften that, but upfront cost still matters when you’re buying a fleet.

Tesla Semi Price and Adoption Challenges

Let’s not sugarcoat it—$415K is a tough pill to swallow, even if the Semi shaves six figures off your fuel bill. Ryder and others have voiced concerns about delays and cost hikes, and some fleets are holding back. Then there’s the infrastructure: 750 kW chargers sound great, but you still need them on your route. Critics compare Tesla’s production promises to the Roadster and Full Self-Driving—big on vision, slow on delivery. And if Musk’s side hustles and politics weren’t enough of a distraction, Tesla’s Q4 2024 revenue dip (down 8%) adds more pressure to get the Semi rolling in volume, not just headlines.

Conclusion

Pros and Cons of the Tesla Semi

• Impressive 500-mile (805 km) range with rapid megacharging
• Major fleet interest from PepsiCo, US Foods, and others
• 750 kW megacharger network cuts downtime dramatically
• Estimated $200,000 fuel savings over three years
• Built in Nevada with U.S.-China supply chain stabilizing

• Production delays since original 2019 target
• High base price of $415,000 (€381,500)
• Limited charging infrastructure still a hurdle
• Strong competition from Volvo and Freightliner
• Customer frustration with rollout pace and communication

Final thoughts

The Tesla Semi isn’t just a flashy electric rig—it’s a bet on the future of freight. For fleet operators looking to slash fuel bills and emissions, it’s compelling. But Tesla’s got to stop overpromising and start delivering, fast. If the Gigafactory delivers and megachargers roll out on schedule, the Semi might finally live up to the hype—and change the way America moves goods, one silent haul at a time.

Production and Activity: Giga Texas remains a hive of activity, with production ramps continuing into Q2 2025. Drone footage and observer posts on X from late March indicate a significant uptick in Model Y production, with numerous units spotted exiting the factory. Cybertrucks are also on the move, some still sporting blue plastic around their side rails, suggesting ongoing testing or final assembly tweaks. The outbound lot was reportedly emptied over the weekend of March 29-30, only to see new production quickly replenish it by March 31, signaling robust output as Tesla closes out Q1 and kicks off Q2.

Construction Updates: Expansion efforts are accelerating. Construction on the north end of the site, dubbed the "Central Campus Support facilities" or "Cortex 2.0," is progressing rapidly. By late March, footing excavation, rebar cage assembly, and auger pile work were underway, with concrete footings expected soon. A new Welcome Center is also in the early stages, with site prep visible near the northwest side. Meanwhile, the Megapack 2 project—a battery storage facility—is rising, with equipment mounts being installed, tied to a reported new megafactory near Houston (announced in early March via Electrek) that could create 1,500 jobs.

Cybercab Testing: Tesla’s autonomous Cybercab robotaxis are increasingly active at Giga Texas. Multiple units, some with steering wheels (despite their driverless design), have been spotted testing around the factory grounds since February. This aligns with Elon Musk’s January claim of launching “autonomous ride-hailing for money” by June 2025 in Austin, leveraging Texas’ lax autonomous vehicle regulations.

Incidents and Scrutiny: The site hasn’t been without challenges. On March 30, a nationwide "Tesla Takedown" protest saw vandalism and violence against Tesla properties, including Giga Texas. Local Rep. Greg Casar condemned the acts but defended peaceful protest rights, while Rep. Randy Weber called it “thuggery.” Earlier, a February 6 fire involving an 18-wheeler trailer at the factory was quickly contained, and a worker’s death in August 2024 (from electrocution) continues to draw attention, with Casar pushing OSHA for transparency amid an ongoing investigation.

Strategic Moves: Musk revealed during a March 20 Tesla All Hands call that he’s purchased land south of Giga Texas—currently a horse-riding school—for future expansion, though specifics remain vague. Posts on X suggest this could tie into long-term plans for the 2,500-acre site, which already spans over 10 million square feet of factory floor.

Overall, Giga Texas is bustling with production (Model Y, Cybertruck, and 4680 cells), testing next-gen vehicles like the Cybercab, and expanding its footprint, all while navigating safety and public perception hurdles. The site’s role as Tesla’s global HQ and a hub for innovation (e.g., the Cortex supercomputing cluster) keeps it in the spotlight as Musk doubles down on Texas operations. For the very latest, ongoing X posts from observers like Joe Tegtmeyer offer real-time snapshots, though they’re anecdotal and not fully verified. 

   Vessev is a pioneering marine technology company based in Auckland, New Zealand, focused on revolutionizing water transport with sustainable, high-performance solutions. Founded in 2018 by Max Olson as Seachange, and later rebranded to Vessev, the company is driven by a mission to "propel a more liveable world" through innovative electric hydrofoiling vessels. These boats lift above the waves using advanced hydrofoil technology—adapted from New Zealand’s America’s Cup legacy—reducing energy consumption by up to 95% compared to traditional boats. This efficiency translates to lower operational costs, cleaner air and water, and a smoother, quieter ride for passengers.
   Led by CEO Eric Laakmann, a former Apple Watch engineering lead, and CTO Max Olson, Vessev combines expertise in marine engineering, vehicle electrification, and robotics. Their flagship product, the VS-9, is a 9-meter (29.3-foot) electric hydrofoiling ferry that seats 10 passengers and cruises at 25 knots with a 50-nautical-mile range. In a world-first milestone, the VS-9, named Kermadec, entered commercial service on January 29, 2025, with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, offering tourism trips across Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. Certified by Maritime New Zealand, it’s the first commercially operated electric hydrofoiling tourism vessel globally, marking a leap in sustainable marine transport.
    Vessev’s ethos—“engineered for safety, built to last, and impact through performance”—shines through in the VS-9’s design. Its carbon-fiber build, panoramic windows, and ergonomic interior prioritize comfort and durability, while its ability to “fly” over waves ensures stability in rough conditions. Priced at around US$620,000, it’s a premium investment, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits appeal to operators like Fullers360, which aims to be fully electric or hydrogen-powered by 2040.
    The company isn’t stopping at the VS-9. They’re developing the VS-18, a 100-passenger version, signaling ambitions to scale their tech for broader commuter and commercial use. Backed by investors like Icehouse Ventures and Blackbird Ventures, Vessev has raised NZ$3.6 million to date, with plans for further funding to fuel expansion. Rooted in New Zealand’s rich maritime innovation history, Vessev is positioning itself as a global leader—think the “Tesla of boats”—aiming to transform how we move on water, one hydrofoil at a time.