The first Tesla Semi to roll off the company’s high-volume line has arrived, the Austin automaker announced on Wednesday.
The milestone at Tesla Inc.’s Nevada plant arrives shortly after a recent production win at Gigafactory Texas. Last week, the company announced that the Cybercab, its purpose-built robotaxi, was officially rolling off the assembly line.
First unveiled in 2017, CEO Elon Musk had originally promised the tractor-trailer would be delivered to customers in 2019.
Since then, other companies have been working up electric and autonomous options. For example, Einride is partnering with SH 130 Concession Co. to position SH 130 toll road, which connects Austin and San Antonio, as a corridor for autonomous freight operations.
Tesla’s long-awaited vehicle will also be watched for whether it can deliver on key features. Tesla’s Semi specs boast a range of about 500 miles and the ability to reach up to 60% of range after 30 minutes of charging. That long-range model will reportedly sell for $300,000 while a 300-mile range Tesla Semi could sell for approximately $260,000.
Now, Tesla’s tractor-trailer will soon be put to the test on last-mile container moves. On Wednesday, California drayage operator MDB Transportation, which hauls cargo short distances between ports and nearby warehouses, announced the start of a three-week operational pilot using a Tesla Semi on active drayage lanes serving port freight. MDB says it will track performance across energy efficiency, cycle time, and driver experience, but is reporting positive early impressions.
“We’re proud to be operating the Tesla Semi, the future of freight isn’t a concept — it’s in motion,” said Haig Melkonyan, MDB director of operations.
Musk has also talked up the vehicle’s smooth ride. In an X post earlier this month, Musk said the truck “feels like a sports car to drive.”
Meanwhile, dozens of Tesla Semi electric trucks also are expected to operate in Texas by next year, and infrastructure is following.
In January, Pilot Travel Centers announced an agreement with Tesla to install its Semi chargers, with the first sites expected to open this summer. The charging stations will be installed at Pilot truck stop locations along Interstate 5, Interstate 10 and several other major corridors. Additionally, a Tesla map of its planned megacharger network indicated sites would go up in the Texas triangle, south of San Antonio and as far west as El Paso.
Texas could also serve as a site for Tesla to ramp up interest from commercial customers. Job postings show Tesla is looking for talent to work on strategies for new commercial shops dedicated to the Semi, grow the vehicle’s service team, and tackle manufacturing engineering at Gigafactory Texas.