Tesla’s electric semi-truck, the Semi, continues to draw attention nearly a decade after its 2017 unveiling, with large-scale deliveries still pending. Elon Musk initially projected production to being in 2019. The first units were delivered to PepsiCo in 2022, yet full-scale manufacturing has not materialize. Tesla now plans to begin delivering serial-produced Semis from its Nevada Gigafactory this summer, with Tigress Financial Partners forecasting between 5,000 and 15,000 units in 2026.
The Semi remains in pilot testing, where it has received positive feedback from drivers and logistics companies. Ángel Rodríguez, a 56-year-old driver with Hight Logistics in Long Beach, California, reported after a month-long trial that “it is much more physically comfortable. It reduces stress, as you do not have to worry about the clutch or gear changes.” Another driver, Dakota Shearer of IMC Logistics, highlighted the ease of maneuvering a 12-meter trailer, noting that with a conventional diesel truck multiple checks would be required, whereas the Semi allowed the turn in a single movement. Features such as automatic gear shifting, proximity cameras and sensors are standard in European trucks but remain relatively new for many US drivers.
Fleet operators in Southern California are evaluating the Semi’s 500-mile (800 km) range for their operations, citing potential savings in maintenance and staffing. Geovanny Meléndez, vice president of operations at Big F Transport in Wilmington, California, said maintaining more than 40 diesel trucks currently requires five mechanics, but transitioning to fully electric vehicles could reduce that to a single technician. The combination of lower maintenance and simplified operation is driving interest among US truck drivers, despite the vehicle not yet being mass-produced.
Significant obstacles remain before large-scale adoption is possible. Charging infrastructure for the Semi is not yet operational. Tesla plans to begin deploying its Megacharger network in selected locations during 1H26, with the first stations expected to open in the summer. Without this network, widespread deployment of long-haul electric trucks is not feasible. Pricing also remains uncertain. Tesla’s original estimates of US$150,000 to US$180,000 per unit have not been updated, and market analysis suggests actual prices may be higher. California’s CARB electric truck incentive program indicates starting prices of around US$260,000 for the Standard Range model (325 miles) and US$300,000 for the Extended Range version (500 miles).
The high price point is a critical factor for fleet operators, whose purchasing decisions are driven by return on investment. While energy and maintenance savings could offset costs for some operators, others may find the Semi financially unviable. Tesla is balancing production readiness with pilot testing feedback, market demand and infrastructure rollout, all of which will determine the Semi’s commercial viability in the US freight market.
Tesla’s priorities have shifted in recent years toward artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous vehicle development, potentially affecting Semi production timelines. The company is also investing in semiconductor manufacturing to support AI data centers, indicating broader resource allocation across multiple initiatives.
Tesla reported a 46% drop in net profit for 2025, with net income totaling US$3.7 billion and revenue declining 3% to US$94.8 billion. The company’s core automotive business, which represents roughly two-thirds of total revenue, saw an 11% year-on-year decline due to weaker demand, growing price competition from Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, and reputational and market pressures linked to Musk’s political involvement.
