Tesla Semi gets approval for full-volume production

Tesla has approved the full-volume production of the Tesla Semi electric truck for quantity distribution. The latest development comes after PepsiCo announced more orders for this EV.

In 2017, the company shared two vehicle concepts and outlined production for 2019. However, the electric truck delayed manufacturing until 2022, and the initial batch was delivered to food and beverage firm PepsiCo in the same year.

Tesla Semi uses three carbon-fiber-wrapped motors – one with optimal efficiency and the other for acceleration. Only one seat is installed in the driver area and the deck has two screens. The driver system is packed with safety features with advanced motor and brake controls for front and rear visibility.

It can accelerate 0-60 mph in 20 seconds, takes 2 kWh per mile energy consumption, and provides up to 500 miles of estimated range. The truck can fill 70 percent range in 30 minutes using dedicated Semi chargers. Despite these features and capabilities, the electric truck remained in low-volume production. However, the firm is making progress on this matter in the background.

Pepsico Tesla Semi (Image Source – Pepsico)

In January, drone footage revealed the underway expansion of the Nevada Gigafactory. This appeared in line with last year’s $3.6 billion investment for the Nevada facility. During the Q1 2024 Earning Call, Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering said Tesla Semi for cost-effective high-volume production engineering is finalized.

The decision came after experimenting with its fleet, pilot, and Pepsico fleet. Moravy confirmed the construction in Reno and projected the first full-volume delivery in 2025 with external deliveries in 2026.

Last month, PepsiCo placed an order for 50 Class 8 Tesla Semi trucks to operate at its manufacturing and distribution facility in Fresno California. It is a 170,000-square-foot factory with eight 750-kilowatt Tesla chargers and two Tesla Megapack Battery Energy Storage systems to power Semi trucks