Tesla Semi Event Recap: Everything That Was Announced

Tesla opened its new Semi factory in Sparks, Nevada, marking a major milestone for commercial freight. Pilot programs with fleets such as PepsiCo and DHL have been underway since late 2022, and Thursday’s presentation signaled the move into true high-volume mass production with a new design.

Elon Musk did not appear on stage; the event began with a pre-recorded segment of Musk standing beside a production Semi. Vehicle Engineering VP Lars Moravy and Semi program Director Dan Priestley then led the presentation.

A Dedicated 50,000-Unit Factory

The company showcased its newly commissioned 1.8 million-square-foot Semi production plant in Sparks. Built specifically for commercial haulers, the facility is designed to scale up to 50,000 trucks per year once lines reach full speed.

The factory integrates the company’s most automated battery cell and pack manufacturing line to date. Tooling is flexible so that the Standard Range, Long Range, and the upcoming European-spec truck can all be produced on the same assembly line.

The Semi has also been added to the top navigation bar of the company’s website, placing it alongside mass-market vehicles. A European version is slated to begin deliveries in 2027.

A Ground-Up Redesign and Blistering Charging Speeds

Lars Moravy noted that the team committed to building an electric class-8 hauler in 2016. A prototype was publicly unveiled in late 2017, and the first customer deliveries occurred in 2022.

The production model now rolling out differs significantly from early prototypes and even from units delivered as recently as last year. It is more efficient, more reliable, easier to build, and less costly to operate.

• The production Semi uses a powder-coated exterior finish instead of liquid spray paint and is available in white "for now."
• The Long Range battery pack delivers 500 miles of real-world loaded driving, designed around highway duty cycles.
• During the live keynote, a Semi connected to a Megacharger increased from 0% to 60% in 30 minutes, recovering roughly 300 miles of highway range.

Software Built for Modern Fleets

The cab experience borrows from the company’s passenger vehicles and adds features for fleet operations. The Semi introduces cloud-based Driver Profiles so that when a driver signs in, the motorized seats, steering wheel, and exterior mirrors adjust to saved presets. The European version has cameras instead of side mirrors.

To close the event, Moravy and Priestley presented a brief teaser for the next-generation Roadster ahead of its October 1 reveal.

High-volume Semi production lines are now operating in Nevada.