Electric truck launch has seen multiple delays
Signs that customer deliveries could begin soon
A new report says that the Tesla Semi electric big rig is just about ready to enter production. Yes, we’ve heard that several times before, but this report seems to be a bit more firm than previous announcements we’ve seen.
The information comes via Electrek, which has a history of pro-Tesla bias, but also tends to have good sources within the company. Its report says that “sources familiar with the matter” said that the drive axle production line is ready to go and that the general assembly line is going through final checks. Those checks are assumed to be the last steps before actual truck production starts.
The Tesla Semi was first revealed in 2017, a Class 8 tractor-trailer the company said would have an 80,000 lb capacity, and offer up to 810 km of range. The company also touted multiple cost of ownership superlatives.
At launch, production was to start in 2019 and came with several big-name reservations including from PepsiCo and Walmart. Since then, the start of production has been delayed repeatedly with various reasons given including a shortage of battery cells.
The report says that early production would be used by Tesla for its own operations, but the company is hiring service technicians and some reservation holders have said they expect to take delivery shortly.
Tesla Semi production will happen at Tesla’s Gigafactory Nevada, and the report says that the company will be able to build five per week by end of the year.
