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Truck Manufacturer

Tesla

Subsidiary of Tesla, Inc.

Founded 2003 Austin, Texas, USA (HQ); Sparks, Nevada (Semi production) Class 8 (BEV only)
1 models
Founded
2003
Class range
Class 8 (BEV only)
Models
1
Open recalls
0

Manufacturer at a glance

Tesla is a USA-headquartered manufacturer of Class 8 (BEV only) commercial trucks, a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc.. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA (HQ); Sparks, Nevada (Semi production). We currently cover 1 Tesla truck models: Semi.

About Tesla

Tesla is a US automaker founded in 2003, primarily known for passenger EVs. Tesla entered the commercial truck market with the Tesla Semi, unveiled in 2017 and first delivered in December 2022. The Semi is Tesla's only commercial product — a Class 8 battery-electric tractor with a claimed 500-mile range, four independent in-wheel motors, and a center-driving-position cab. Tesla operates its own proprietary MegaCharger network for Semi customers (Tesla's commercial-class DC fast charging — separate from the Supercharger network used by Tesla passenger vehicles). Production is at Tesla's Gigafactory Nevada in Sparks, NV. Volume has been low through 2024 (estimated <500 units shipped) but Tesla has announced expanded production starting 2026.

Company history

Elon Musk first hinted at a Tesla Semi in 2016, with a formal unveiling in November 2017. The truck was promised at $150,000-$180,000 with a 500-mile range — both aggressive claims that delayed production by 5 years. First customer deliveries went to PepsiCo (Modesto, CA) in December 2022. Production has been intentionally slow as Tesla validates the design and ramps battery cell production. The Semi shares some technology with Tesla's Model S/X passenger vehicles but has dedicated commercial-grade components for the powertrain, battery thermal management, and chassis. Major fleet customers include PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch, Walmart, UPS, and Costco.

Market position and reputation

Tesla Semi is a tiny but high-profile player in Class 8 BEV. Total deliveries through 2024 are well under 500 units, dwarfed by Freightliner eCascadia (1,000+) and Volvo VNR Electric (700+). However, the Semi's 500-mile claimed range and Tesla branding generate disproportionate attention. The proprietary MegaCharger network is both an advantage (Tesla-only supercharging speeds) and a limitation (locks fleets into Tesla infrastructure). Tesla has announced a Semi production scale-up targeting 50,000 units/year by late 2026 from Gigafactory Nevada — if achieved, would change the BEV truck landscape significantly.

Engine partners and powertrain

Tesla trucks are powered by:

  • → In-house Tesla electric drivetrain (4-motor)
Model lineup

1 Tesla models in our database, grouped by truck type. Tap a model to see specs, recalls, and owner complaints.

Electric (1)

Tesla Semi
Class 8 • 2022–present
The Tesla Semi is Tesla's Class 8 battery-electric tractor — first deliveries 2022 to PepsiCo and other anchor customers. Claimed range 500 miles, c…

Related

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns Tesla?
Tesla is owned by Tesla, Inc.. The company was founded in 2003 in Austin, Texas, USA (HQ); Sparks, Nevada (Semi production). Under Tesla, Inc. ownership, Tesla shares engineering platforms, parts supply chains, and engine technology with sister brands while maintaining its own dealer network and distinct brand identity.
What truck classes does Tesla make?
Tesla manufactures Class 8 (BEV only). The lineup includes 1 current models in our database.
What engines do Tesla trucks use?
Tesla trucks are powered by In-house Tesla electric drivetrain (4-motor). The engine choice depends on application — highway tractors typically run the larger engines (Detroit DD15, Cummins X15, PACCAR MX-13, Volvo D13) for long-haul fuel economy, while vocational and medium-duty trucks use smaller engines optimized for low-end torque.
How does Tesla compare to competitors?
Tesla Semi is a tiny but high-profile player in Class 8 BEV. Total deliveries through 2024 are well under 500 units, dwarfed by Freightliner eCascadia (1,000+) and Volvo VNR Electric (700+). However, the Semi's 500-mile claimed range and Tesla branding generate disproportionate attention. The proprietary MegaCharger network is both an advantage (Tesla-only supercharging speeds) and a limitation (locks fleets into Tesla infrastructure). Tesla has announced a Semi production scale-up targeting 50,000 units/year by late 2026 from Gigafactory Nevada — if achieved, would change the BEV truck landscape significantly.
Where can I find Tesla recalls and complaints?
Browse open NHTSA recalls at /recalls/?make=Tesla — we cross-reference NHTSA's recall database with our truck-focused filter. For owner complaints, visit /complaints/?make=Tesla to see what current owners are reporting to NHTSA. For specific VIN recall status, use our VIN decoder tool at /vin/ or check NHTSA.gov/recalls directly.

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