The Tesla Semi will be sold in Europe, almost a full decade after the electric lorry was first unveiled.
The lorry – which was updated last year with fresh tech and a new look to bring it into line with the Model Y – will be presented at next month’s IAA Transportation show in Hanover, Germany. Tesla said it will confirm European specifications and launch plans at the event.
Tesla will be hoping that the Semi can invigorate the electric HGV segment in the same manner as it did with passenger cars a decade ago. Electric lorries from mainstream manufacturers are few and far between, and hauliers remain concerned about their range, charging and carrying capacities. To that end, Tesla claims the Semi is more powerful, more efficient and cheaper to operate than traditional lorries.
In the US, it is offered in two specifications. The Standard Range is claimed to be capable of covering 325 miles between charges and its tri-motor powertrain combines to send up to 1073bhp through its dual rear axles.
Tesla says it can replenish 60% of its range in 30min when connected to one of its Megachargers, which deliver up to 1200kW.
The Long Range version has the same powertrain, but an extended rear section of the cab holds additional batteries that boost its range to a claimed 500 miles.
It remains to be seen whether both versions of the Semi will be offered in Europe, but Tesla’s UK website quotes figures for only the Standard Range.
For reference, the 40-tonne MAN eTGX has power outputs of between 328bhp and 536bhp, ranges of up to 358 miles and the ability to recharge at up to 1000kW. The Mercedes eActros 600 has a range of 311 miles and is due to gain megawatt charging capabilities in the future.
The Semi was first revealed in 2017 but faced a stunted development cycle, and the first examples entered operation with PepsiCo in the US five years later. Tesla has yet to disclose how many Semis it has delivered but recently sold 500 examples to Swedish transport firm Einride, which is claimed to be the biggest single order for the lorry yet.
