Tesla Semi Truck Production Delayed Until 2024

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that due to battery supply chain constraints, the company doesn't expect to begin large-scale production of its Class 8 electric Semi truck until the end of 2024. This news came during a keynote address at the Edison Electric Institute's annual conference in Texas. Musk explained that Tesla needs more batteries to mass produce the Semi, which is designed to have a massive 850-to-900-kWh pack, significantly higher than the average electric vehicle.

The Semi truck, initially announced in 2017 as a disruptor in the commercial transportation industry, has faced repeated delays in mass production. While Tesla has delivered around 35 Semi trucks to customers like Pepsi and Frito-Lay in California, customers who pre-ordered the truck back in 2017, including companies such as Walmart, FedEx, and J.B. Hunt, are still waiting for their orders.

The truck has a range of 300 to 500 miles when fully loaded with an 81,000-pound trailer, according to Musk. In April, Tesla issued a voluntary recall of 35 Semis due to a parking brake issue. To support increased manufacturing, Tesla is expanding its plant near Reno, Nevada, where the trucks are currently being produced.

As a result of these developments, truck drivers interested in the Tesla Semi should be aware that large-scale production is now expected to commence at the end of 2024, as the company addresses battery supply chain constraints. The truck boasts an impressive battery capacity, but the production delays have affected the fulfillment of pre-orders, including those from major companies. Tesla is actively working on expanding its manufacturing capabilities to meet the demand and ensure timely deliveries in the future.