Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on Twitter that the first units of the Tesla Semi truck will be delivered this year. The controversial Cybertruck pickup is expected to hit the market next year.
According to Musk, this would be the version of the Semi truck with a range of 500 miles, or a good 800 kilometers. A cheaper version with a shorter range will follow later.
Note: the Semi was previously introduced in 2017, and at the time it was promised that production would begin in 2019. Several large U.S. shippers immediately ordered dozens of units. However, development of the truck was delayed and Tesla had to focus for years on consolidating its business as a passenger car manufacturer. That will now change. According to Musk, a Semi driver will save $200,000 a year in fuel costs, and a Semi Truck will pay for itself in 24 months. For fast truck charging, Musk wants to develop a network of “Megachargers,” which, with their 1,000 MW of power, can fill 650 kilometers of range in half an hour.
Author Iryna Tessard