Tesla Semi Enters Mass Production, WattEV Orders 370 Trucks
Tesla has officially begun volume production of its long-awaited electric Semi truck, and the first major customer order signals that commercial-scale electric freight may finally be arriving. WattEV, a California-based electric freight operator, has placed an order for 370 Tesla Semis valued at approximately $100 million — the largest single deployment of electric Class 8 trucks in the state’s history.
A Decade in the Making
The Tesla Semi’s journey from concept to production has spanned nearly a decade. First announced by Elon Musk in November 2017, the truck faced repeated delays as Tesla prioritized battery supply for its passenger vehicles and worked to ramp production of its next-generation 4680 battery cells. Limited deliveries to PepsiCo began in December 2022, but volume production only commenced on April 29, 2026, at a new dedicated facility adjacent to Gigafactory Nevada. The plant is designed to produce up to 50,000 Semis annually.
Two Trims, Impressive Specs
The Tesla Semi comes in two configurations. The Standard Range model offers approximately 325 miles of range with a 548 kWh battery pack and is priced at roughly $260,000. The Long Range version delivers up to 500 miles of range powered by an 822 kWh battery — more than 12 times the capacity of a typical Tesla Model 3 pack — and is priced at approximately $300,000. Both use Tesla’s 1,000-volt architecture and 4680 battery cells.
According to MIT Technology Review, the Semi undercuts competing battery-electric trucks, which carry a median price of roughly $411,000. While it remains more expensive than a median diesel truck at $172,500, California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) offers vouchers covering up to $120,000 to $200,000 toward the purchase of an electric truck, making the Semi cost-competitive in the state.
The WattEV Order: A Turning Point
The WattEV order, announced on May 5 at the ACT Expo trade show in Las Vegas, marks a significant inflection point. More than 300 of the trucks will be deployed under a joint program with the Port of Oakland to electrify drayage and regional freight routes. The first 50 Semis are scheduled for delivery in 2026, with the full fleet expected operational by the end of 2027.
“We selected the Tesla Semi based on cost, performance, and availability after issuing a public request for proposals,” said Salim Youssefzadeh, CEO of WattEV, as reported by Teslarati. “With the Tesla Semi now entering mass production and drawing strong reviews from fleet operators nationwide, WattEV’s vertically integrated model — combining vehicle deployment, megawatt-class charging infrastructure, and full-service leasing — offers a turn-key path for carriers without any capital risk.”
Youssefzadeh also emphasized the economic case: “We expect diesel fuel costs will continue to be a decisive factor in fleet procurement decisions. Our electrified freight solutions allow us to deliver goods at better economics compared to diesel today, and as energy costs diverge further, the economic case only strengthens,” CleanTechnica reported.
Charging Infrastructure Takes Shape
Critical to the rollout is Tesla’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS), capable of delivering 300 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes — comparable to a diesel fill-up. WattEV is opening charging depots equipped with MCS chargers at the Port of Oakland and in Fresno, with additional stations planned for Stockton and Sacramento. This builds on WattEV’s existing network of six operational depots in Southern California.
Why This Matters
The significance of the Semi’s volume production extends beyond a single company. Medium- and heavy-duty vehicles represent only about 8% of vehicles on the road globally, but they generate 35% of carbon dioxide emissions from road transport, according to the International Energy Agency, as cited by MIT Technology Review. Electrifying this sector could dramatically reduce emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
Casey Crownhart, climate reporter at MIT Technology Review, noted the broader context: “The Semi is a relatively affordable electric semitruck with pretty impressive performance. It also comes at a moment when Tesla has lost its grip on the global electric-vehicle market.” Success in commercial trucking could open a vital new growth avenue for the company.
What to Watch For
Several questions remain. Can Tesla scale Semi production to its 50,000-unit annual target? Will the Megacharger network expand beyond California to support nationwide adoption? And will other major fleet operators — including Walmart, Sysco, and DHL, all of which have been testing the Semi — convert their pilot programs into large-scale orders?
For now, the combination of Tesla’s production ramp, WattEV’s ambitious deployment, and California’s supportive regulatory environment suggests that the electric trucking revolution may finally be shifting into high gear.