The Tesla Semi electric truck is expected to revolutionize the trucking industry. With its powerful performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental friendliness, the Semi is considered a breakthrough in the field of trucks. However, after 6 years of its launch, will the Tesla truck meet expectations?
Tesla Semi truck expected to revolutionize the trucking industry: 6 years later, customers are still waiting
Elon Musk once proudly declared the Semi as a “step change improvement” with superior power compared to diesel trucks. However, the reality shows that Semi sales are quite slow. Tesla expected to produce at least 50,000 units per year in 2024, but so far has only delivered about 30 vehicles to a single customer.
Is the Tesla Truck Really as “Silent” as Rumored?
The lack of information about the Semi raises even more suspicions. Tesla has removed the Semi from its production reports for the last two quarters and rarely mentions the model. This is in contrast to Musk’s usual “noisy” style.
Does the Tesla Truck Benefit from Government Incentives?
Another notable point is that the Tesla truck does not seem to receive government favor. The Semi is not on the list of zero-emission trucks eligible for incentives from California. The reason is not because the Semi is not eligible, but because Tesla has not even registered for the program.
Tesla Semi truck not listed for California incentives program
The absence of the Semi at ACT Expo, the largest exhibition for zero-emission trucks, is also a big question mark. While competitors like Volvo, Hyundai, and Daimler all showcased their products, Tesla was “quietly” absent.
Is the Tesla Truck Lagging Behind its Competitors?
The electric truck market is booming as California is expected to ban the sale of new diesel commercial vehicles by 2036. However, actual sales are still quite low. A survey shows that electric truck orders are only around 6,000 units in the next few years.
Competitors showcasing their electric trucks at ACT Expo, while Tesla is absent
Tesla has missed the opportunity to dominate the electric truck market, just like it led in the field of electric cars. In 2022, California only recorded 134 electric truck sales, mostly manufactured by BYD and none by Tesla.
Is the Tesla Truck Competitive Enough?
After 6 years, many major customers are still waiting for the Tesla truck to be available on the market. Tesla has not yet provided details on production and sales. In the latest report to the SEC, the Semi is only described as being in the “trial production” phase.
Tesla Semi still in trial production phase after 6 years
The slow production of the Semi is raising many questions about Tesla’s competitiveness in this field. Can Tesla overcome its experienced competitors and gain market share in the electric truck market? Time will tell.
