Tesla launches Semi electric truck production, targets 50,000 units annually.

Tesla said on Tuesday it will begin full‑scale production of its Semi electric truck this quarter, with a goal of building 50,000 units a year. The 500‑mile‑range vehicle will roll off the line at the company’s Texas gigafactory and join a growing list of pre‑ordered fleets that include PepsiCo, Walmart and UPS. The move marks the first time the company has moved beyond limited pilot runs to a commercial volume schedule.

The Semi was unveiled in November 2017 amid much fanfare, but it has been delayed repeatedly. Early prototypes struggled with battery chemistry, supply‑chain bottlenecks and the need for a new high‑power charging network. At the same time, regulators and investors have pushed the auto industry to cut emissions, and the trucking sector accounts for roughly a quarter of U.S. greenhouse‑gas output. That pressure has spurred traditional manufacturers such as Volvo, Freightliner and Daimler to accelerate their own electric truck programs, leaving Tesla with a narrow window to capture market share.

Tesla’s production plan hinges on its new 4680 cells, which promise higher energy density and lower cost. The Texas plant, upgraded to handle large battery packs, will start assembling the first 5,000 trucks in June, with the remainder slated for later in the year. The company is also expanding its Megacharger network, adding 1‑megawatt stations along key freight corridors to support the Semi’s fast‑charge capability. Analysts estimate the trucks could cut fuel costs by up to 30 percent for operators, while delivering zero tailpipe emissions.

If the ramp‑up proceeds as announced, the Semi could become a benchmark for heavy‑duty electrification. Industry groups say a 50,000‑unit annual run would represent about 5 percent of new truck sales in the United States, enough to shift supply‑chain dynamics and encourage more investment in electric‑vehicle infrastructure. The next milestone will be the first large‑scale deliveries to customers in the second half of 2024, a test of whether Tesla can meet its ambitious schedule and help the freight sector meet tightening emissions rules.