Tesla confirms production of new electric vehicle - seven years after Elon Musk announced model

Tesla has finally started production of one of its most ambitious electric vehicle projects to date, eight years after Elon Musk announced the project.

The Elon Musk-led brand confirmed that its first Semi truck had rolled off its high-volume production line at its Gigafactory Nevada facility.

The electric Tesla Semi has been described as "the future of trucking" with an estimated maximum range of 500 miles and an energy consumption rate of 1.7kWh per mile.

Businesses looking to get their hands on the Tesla Semi have the choice between Standard Range and Long Range models, in addition to configurations that can be made.

The Standard Range can travel around 325 miles, with a driving power of up to 800kW and fast charging of up to 60 per cent range in just 30 minutes.

Long Range Semis have a range of around 500 miles and a kerb weight of 23,000 lbs (10,432kg), while charging speeds and energy consumption rates are the same as the Standard Range.

CEO Elon Musk claimed that the Tesla Semi would have a 0-60mph acceleration time of just five seconds, compared to 15 seconds for the average diesel truck.

Even when considering the maximum tow weight of 80,000 lbs (36,287kg), the Tesla can reach 60mph in 20 seconds.

Despite being announced in 2017, Tesla and Elon Musk have remained relatively quiet about the development of the Semi.

Under original plans, Tesla wanted to begin production seven years ago, but was pushed back continually before the Nevada Gigafactory received a $3.6billion (£2.6billion) expansion in 2023.

Tesla delivered a small number of Semi models to PepsiCo, although these were manufactured on a low-volume pilot production line.

In 2024, Reuters reported that PepsiCo was using only 36 of 100 electric trucks promised by Tesla, while UPS and Walmart Canada await deliveries of Semi models.

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While Tesla has not published full Semi prices on its website, state documents suggest that the Standard Range variant will cost $260,000 (£191,000) and $300,000 (£220,000) for the Long Range.

Deliveries of the Tesla Semi are set to begin later this year, while the Cybercab robotaxi is set to begin production in Texas.

Tesla's delay in manufacturing the Semi could have cost it in the global race to decarbonise the emissions-intensive haulage sector.

Volvo has quickly become a leader in the space with impressive sales and an expansive lineup, including the FH Aero Electric, FH Electric, FMX Electric, FM Electric, FM Low Entry, FE Electric and FL Electric.

Volvo began volume production of its electric trucks in 2019 and is now the global leader in zero emission truck manufacturing by units shipped.

While the Tesla Semi will mount a challenge against Volvo, the Swedish manufacturer retains one of the strongest brands in Europe and the United States.

Commenting on the launch of a new range of electric trucks, Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, said: "We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting-edge electric truck with a range of up to 700km (435 miles).

"This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers. It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones."