EV, Tesla

Tesla offers rare Semi update, reveals timeline for first production trucks

  • Tesla Semi production is slated to begin later in 2025
  • The Tesla electric heavy-hauler has suffered several delays
  • Tesla has been waiting for a new production facility to be completed

Published on Apr 30, 2025 at 12:43 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall

Last updated on Apr 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Tesla has offered a rare update on its electric Semi truck project, after going quiet about it for some time.

Like several other Tesla projects, including the Cybertruck, the Semi has been plagued by delays since its first unveiling in 2017.

Production was slated to begin in 2019, but Covid-19 and other factors pushed it back.

The Tesla Semi will be fascinating when production begins, with it set to be one of the world’s first all-electric heavy-duty trucks.

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What Tesla’s update says about its new Semi

The update says that the first production units of the EV should roll off the production line by the end of 2025.

Much of the delay has been due to the construction of a new production facility near Tesla’s Giga Nevada.

That in itself has suffered delays.

But once those are rectified, then the company plans to produce 50,000 trucks per year.

Tesla has delivered some examples already, delivering 100 Semi trucks to the PepsiCo company.

However, that was done on what it called a ‘pilot production’ line.

This only had a modest capacity and was not enough for full-scale production.

Tesla factory construction is now on schedule

Semi program lead Dan Priestley recently confirmed that factory construction was now back on schedule.

Should it run on schedule, the first trucks should roll off the new production line by the end of 2025.

It is initially being cautious with its production rates per year, due to the current low demand.

However, if it were to operate at full capacity, the new factory could produce up to 125,000 Semis per year.

Semi is designed with driver in mind

The Tesla Semi truck is designed with the driver in mind.

Tesla offers rare Semi update, reveals timeline for first production trucks
Tesla

However, the EV manufacturer said the truck would also have full self-driving mode (FSD).

The NHTSA has just announced the relaxation of some autonomous driving rules.

Because of that, it is suddenly much easier for the company to test out FSD on its heavy hauler.

So it would appear that the heavy-duty truck is coming soon.

Time will tell if the current timeframe proves to be a reality.

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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.