Already marketed in the United States, the revolutionary Tesla Semi electric truck will officially arrive in Europe. Better yet, it will be produced within the Berlin Gigafactory, alongside the Tesla Model Y. Enough to make the transport of goods even cleaner in Europe.
For several years, Tesla has had a complete range, with its Model 3, Model Y, Model S and Model X. But that’s not all, because the firm also markets a vehicle intended for professionals. This is not the Cybertruck, but an electric truck, known as the Semi.
An upcoming arrival in Europe
It was in 2017 that it was unveiled by Elon Musk, although it was first mentioned in the 2016 Master Plan. However, it was not until the end of 2022 that the first customers finally received the keys to their truck. This is the PepsiCo group, which says it is very satisfied with the performance of the vehicle, and in particular its autonomy and its consumption, which is very small compared to a diesel truck. But when will it finally be marketed here?
Until now, the manufacturer had not provided any information on this subject. We thought the heavyweight might just be never sold in Europe. But that will ultimately be the case. Better yet, it will even be manufactured on site, within the company itself. Berlin Gigafactory, located in Germany. This is in fact what the boss of the American company, Elon Musk, suggested when interviewed by German media.
Relayed by the site Electrekthe businessman explains that “ I think it makes sense to produce the Tesla Semi in Europe, in the Berlin Gigafactory“ . A statement made while the manager was passing through the Old Continent, on the occasion of the recommissioning of the factory. The latter had been the victim of an act of sabotage and had been shut down for several days. The site is now operational again.
However, Elon Musk has not yet given a precise deadline for the start of the production line for his electric truck here. For the record, this one is currently assembled within the site located in Nevada, and at a fairly reduced pace for the moment. However, the rate could increase over the years and as demand grows. This could, for example, come from Europe, where the market for electric heavy goods vehicles is developing.
First in the United States
In any case, Tesla does not seem to be in a big hurry to start production in Europe at the moment, since this is still only at the project stage. And for good reason, the manufacturer first wants to build volume in the United States, which remains its main market at the moment. This is how the firm will expand its factory located in Nevada, in order to increase production rates.
And it is only once it has reached a satisfactory level thatproduction in Europe will be considered. The Texas-based manufacturer aims to manufacture five electric trucks per week once its American factory is ready. These are not less than 500 units expected to be produced every year at this industrial site. Patience therefore, since orders are not even open in Europe yet.
Especially since another problem arises: its weight. European regulations define a limit of 44 tonnes for the tractor, trailer and goods, for a maximum length of 16.5 meters. However, the Semi could be much heavier, due to its enormous batteries allowing it to travel 800 kilometers with its 37 tonnes of cargo.
However, European regulations could evolve, with a maximum weight increasing to 48 tonnes for electric trucks. Which could facilitate the arrival of Tesla’s heavy goods vehicles on our roads in the future.
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