Tesla Semi enters full-scale production with major order
Nearly a decade after its initial announcement, Tesla has released the first vehicle from its new Class 8 Semi production line, with pricing and battery data now confirmed.
Tesla has commenced full-scale production of its Class 8 Semi electric truck, releasing the first vehicle from its new production line in late April 2026. This milestone arrives nearly a decade after the company initially announced the vehicle in 2017, marking a significant transition from prototype development to commercial manufacturing. The company has finalised battery specifications and pricing, with the base model priced at $260,000 and the long-range version at $300,000.
Freight operator WattEV has placed a substantial order for 370 Tesla Semis, valued at over $100 million. WattEV, which provides electric freight operations as a service, will receive the first 50 trucks later this year, with the full fleet expected to be delivered by the end of 2027. The operational support for these vehicles includes megawatt-charging infrastructure located in Oakland, Fresno, Stockton, and Sacramento.
The confirmed battery specifications reveal significant capacity, with the base model featuring a usable battery of 548 kilowatt-hours and the long-range version boasting 822 kilowatt-hours. These figures are derived from documentation filed with the California Air Resources Board. The base model offers a range of approximately 320 miles, while the long-range version is rated for about 480 miles, closely aligning with earlier projections for the vehicle.
Pricing for the Semi has increased since its initial unveiling, where the base model was expected to cost $150,000. The current pricing remains considerably higher than the median cost of a diesel truck, which was $172,500 for the 2025 model year according to research from the International Council on Clean Transportation. However, the Semi is priced significantly lower than the median for other battery-electric trucks, which stands at approximately $411,000.
In California, financial incentives such as vouchers covering $120,000 towards the purchase of an electric truck make the Semi competitive in the local market. Tesla did not respond to requests for confirmation regarding the battery size or other questions for this report. The company had previously delivered a small number of pilot trucks starting in 2022, but this latest production launch suggests a more serious push into the heavy-duty transport sector.
