Key facts
- Tesla plans to bring its Semi electric truck to Europe.
- European specifications and launch details will be disclosed at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover, Germany next week.
- The Semi was first unveiled in 2017 with initial production targeted for 2019.
- Tesla began limited deliveries in the US in late 2022.
- The German website lists a version with a range of up to 550 km at a gross combination weight of 40 tonnes.
- The truck uses about 1 kilowatt-hour per kilometer.
Tesla is planning to expand the reach of its Semi electric truck into the European market, aiming to establish a presence in a competitive heavy-duty sector where rivals already offer battery-powered models. The company, led by Elon Musk, will reveal specific European details and launch plans at the upcoming IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover, Germany. This European venture comes almost a decade after the Semi's initial unveiling in 2017, with production timelines repeatedly pushed back as Tesla prioritized battery supplies for its passenger vehicles. Limited deliveries of the Semi began in the United States in late 2022, with companies like PepsiCo receiving the trucks. In April, Tesla announced that the first Semi had been produced on a high-volume line in Nevada. However, a July shareholder update indicated that volume production would commence in 2026, removing an earlier forecast for this year. The German version of the truck is listed with a range of up to 550 kilometers (342 miles) at a gross combination weight of 40 tonnes, consuming approximately 1 kilowatt-hour per kilometer. Tesla also highlighted features such as route-based charging scheduling and dedicated service centers designed to minimize downtime.