Tesla Semi electric truck features massive 822 kWh battery pack and 800 km of range

Tesla has officially commenced high-volume production of its Semi electric truck at the Nevada Gigafactory, marking a significant milestone nearly a decade after the vehicle’s initial unveiling. The production model is available in two battery configurations: a Long Range variant with an 822 kWh battery pack and a Standard Range version featuring a smaller 548 kWh pack. Both utilise Tesla’s advanced 4680 cells with NMCA chemistry and support rapid charging at up to 1.2 MW via Tesla’s dedicated Megachargers, enabling the Long Range Semi to achieve over 800 km of range with a full 37-tonne load. The Nevada Gigafactory, designed to produce up to 50,000 Semi trucks annually, represents a major scale-up from Tesla’s previous low-volume pilot production and customer trials. Early deployments of the Semi have included partnerships with major logistics operators such as PepsiCo, Walmart, Costco, and DHL, with the latter’s 2025 trials demonstrating the truck’s efficiency at 1.06 kWh per kilometre. The latest model also benefits from improved aerodynamics and increased payload capacity, enhancements that have been well received by fleet operators seeking to reduce emissions and operating costs amid rising diesel prices. Industry response has been positive, with hundreds of orders placed recently, including a notable contract from Californian logistics firm WattEV, which plans to integrate over 370 Tesla Semis into its fleet. WattEV’s CEO, Salim Youssefzadeh, cited cost, performance, and availability as key factors in selecting the Tesla Semi following a competitive procurement process. This growing adoption signals a potential shift in zero-emission logistics, as the Semi’s specifications meet the demanding needs of commercial freight operators. Looking ahead, Tesla’s focus on expanding the Semi’s reach into international markets, including Europe, underscores the company’s ambition to lead the electric heavy-duty vehicle segment. As more real-world data from customers becomes available, the Semi’s impact on reducing transport emissions and operational expenses will become clearer. With diesel fuel costs remaining high, the Tesla Semi could play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to sustainable freight solutions globally.