Tesla has officially launched high-volume production of the Semi electric truck, nearly a decade after the 2017 concept reveal. A major alliance of shippers including Microsoft and PepsiCo placed a record order for 2,500 vehicles, set to be delivered through the next 18 months. This development is significant as it could nearly double the number of heavy-duty electric trucks currently on US roads and marks a milestone for commercial EV adoption.

The long-range Semi offers an estimated 500 miles per charge and the standard version 325 miles, comparable to or exceeding competitor ranges of 155 to 430 miles. However, widespread adoption faces obstacles: electric semis cost two to three times more than diesel counterparts, charging infrastructure remains limited (only two public chargers in the Los Angeles area, though Tesla plans to expand to 30 by year-end), and the Trump administration has cut billions in federal EV support. Conversely, record-high diesel prices driven by disruption in Middle Eastern oil production due to the Iran War make the economics of electric trucks increasingly compelling for fleet operators.