The Tesla Semi electric truck, once expected to revolutionize the trucking industry, remains in “trial production” after 6 years since its debut. Slow sales and suspicious silence from Tesla raise questions about the project’s future.
Tesla Semi: Impressive Start, Harsh Reality
Elon Musk once proudly declared the Semi “badass” and a “total step change with respect to trucking.” However, actual sales have fallen far short of expectations. Tesla has only delivered about 30 vehicles to one publicly disclosed customer, while the goal of producing 50,000 vehicles per year by 2024 seems increasingly distant.
Tesla Semi electric truck on a road
Absent from Industry Reports and Events
Tesla’s silence on the Semi further fuels suspicion. The vehicle is absent from recent production reports and is not listed in California’s zero-emission truck incentive program. The Semi was even absent from ACT Expo, the largest zero-emission truck show, where competitors like Volvo, Hyundai, and BYD showcased their products.
Elon Musk introducing the Tesla Semi
Potential Customers Still Waiting
After the grand unveiling in 2017, many large companies ordered thousands of Semis. However, to date, these customers have yet to receive their vehicles. Ryder, J.B. Hunt, and UPS all lack concrete information on delivery timelines.
Vague Information on Production and Specifications
Tesla has yet to release details on the Semi’s production and sales. In SEC filings, the company only mentions “trial production” at the Nevada Gigafactory. Information on price, weight, payload, and fuel economy has also not been independently verified.
Tesla Semi during production at a factory
Electric Truck Market Heats Up
The electric truck market is growing rapidly, especially with California’s ban on the sale of new diesel trucks by 2036. However, sales are still limited, and Tesla is being overtaken by competitors. BYD currently leads electric truck sales in California, while Nikola, a startup, delivered over 100 electric trucks in 2022.
Challenges for Tesla in the Long Run
Pepsi receiving a Tesla Semi delivery
Even if Tesla can ramp up Semi production, the company still faces numerous challenges. The cost of electric trucks remains high, installing high-power charging stations requires significant investment, and Tesla needs to convince fleet owners to switch from traditional suppliers. Whether the Tesla electric truck can deliver on its revolutionary promise remains a big question.
