Tesla Semi electric truck charging at a charging station
In 2017, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, introduced the Semi electric truck with a promise to revolutionize the transportation industry. Musk confidently declared the Semi “has incredible power compared to a diesel truck,” with rapid acceleration and braking, promising a “step change improvement” in driving feel. However, six years later, Tesla’s truck has yet to meet expectations. Sluggish sales and a suspicious silence surrounding the project have led many to question the future of the Semi.
Tesla’s Truck: Low Production and Lack of Information
The production goal of 50,000 Semi trucks per year by 2024, generating $12.5 billion in revenue, seems far-fetched. Currently, Tesla has only delivered approximately 30 Tesla trucks to a single publicly disclosed customer. The removal of the Semi from production reports for the last two quarters and the lack of product information further fuel doubts. Even in quarterly reports and investor conferences, Tesla does not mention the Semi in detail.
White Tesla Semi truck driving on a highway
Absence From Key Events
Even more surprising is the absence of Tesla’s truck at key events. The Semi is not listed among trucks eligible for incentives in California, not because it is ineligible, but because Tesla has not even registered to participate in the program. The Semi was also absent from ACT Expo, the largest clean transportation event, while competitors such as Volvo, Hyundai, and Daimler showcased their products.
Competitors Overtake in the Electric Truck Race
Tesla Semi electric trucks being transported on a trailer
The electric truck market is growing rapidly, especially with California’s ban on new diesel truck sales by 2036. However, Tesla appears to be lagging behind. Electric truck sales in California in 2022 reached only 134 units, mainly from China’s BYD, with no Tesla trucks sold. Nikola, a smaller competitor, produced 258 Tre BEV electric trucks last year and delivered 131 units.
Customers Still Waiting
Immediately after its launch, many companies ordered thousands of Semis. But nearly six years later, they are still waiting. Industry giants like Ryder and J.B. Hunt say they don’t know when they will receive Tesla’s trucks. UPS says it is in negotiations with Tesla and hopes to receive trucks in 2024.
The Future of Tesla Trucks
Black Tesla Semi electric truck on the road
PepsiCo, the only publicly confirmed customer of the Semi, hopes to receive 100 units this year. However, with the current slow production and lack of information, Tesla’s truck still has a long way to go to prove its ability to deliver on its promise to revolutionize the transportation industry. Whether Tesla can overcome the current challenges and become a leader in the electric truck market remains a big question.
